Zelma Loventrice Wilkins Keen

Mrs. Zelma L. (Wilkins) Keen went to her Heavenly reward on May 21, 2016. Mrs. Keen was 93 years old, having been born on April 22, 1923. She was a life-long resident of Billingsley, Alabama. Mrs. Keen was the daughter of the late Robert D. Wilkins and the late Offie S. (Askins) Wilkins. She was a graduate of Billingsley High School. She was married to Lonnie Warren Keen on February 9, 1946, after Mr. Keen served in World War II, and celebrated their 60th Anniversary prior to Mr. Keen's passing on October 18, 2006. Mrs. Keen dedicated her life to her church, her family and her community. Through her strong Christian beliefs and service to others, she touched many lives. She was a life-long member of Indian Grave Baptist Church where she served her Lord and Savior for many years. She was known for her excellent cooking and always made sure that anyone visiting her home had plenty of excellent food to eat. She was a homemaker most of her life and worked several years for the Autauga County Extension Service and in the Probate Judge's office in Prattville. Mrs. Keen is survived by her son, Robert C. "Bobby" (Peggy) Keen of Greenfield, IN; Daughter, Gloria Dianne Keen (Steve) Robinson of Atlanta, GA. She has 5 grandchildren, Nathan (Meagan) Keen, Sarah Keen (Aaron) Book, Ashley Keen (Michael) Petry all of Indiana, Josh (Susan) Robinson, Joy Robinson (Dan) Roark; 4 Great-Grandchildren all of Atlanta, GA. She was preceded in death by her Husband, Lonnie Keen; an infant brother who died at birth; sister, Oda Geraldene Wilkins; mother, Offie Wilkins; father, Robert Wilkins. Her father had purchased a farm near Billingsley in 1925 and the family suffered through the Great Depression. Upon the death of her mother when Mrs. Keen was only 16 years old, she took on the responsibilities of running the farm household and providing meals for her father and the farm workers. Friends and relatives will be received from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Martin Funeral Home, Clanton. A celebration of Mrs. Keen's life and a worship service celebrating her transition to Heaven will be held Thursday, May 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Indian Grave Baptist Church, Billingsley. Interment will follow in Indian Grave Cemetery, Billingsley, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial donations be made to one of the following: Indian Grave Church Building Fund, Senior Citizens Fund or Cemetery Fund at 1336 County Road 24, Billingsley, AL 36006. Mrs. Keen was also a strong supporter of Samaritan's Purse and donations can also be made to P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. You may leave online memories and messages for the family at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.