Florence Baker McKeel

ROCKY MOUNT – Florence Baker McKeel, age 87, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023. Born in Wilson County, NC on December 28, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Alex Turner Baker and Ada Ellis Baker. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harry Lee McKeel, Sr.; her son, Harry Lee McKeel, Jr.; her daughter, Kimberly Ann McKeel; her daughter-in-law, Lucy McKeel; her brothers, A.D. Baker and Rufus Baker; and her sisters, Ethel Baker Forbes (Jettie), Mildred Baker Proctor (Gerald), Britt Baker Dean (Joe), and Thelma Ann Baker. Florence was a longtime member of Englewood Presbyterian Church. She was a wonderful cook and her specialties during the holidays were peanut brittle, ice box fruit cake and oatmeal cookies. Florence loved to paint and sew, but her passion was knitting and quilting for her family. She was a member of many knitting clubs in town over the years. Florence enjoyed going to Lake Gaston with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her. Florence is survived by her son, Dwight “Bill” McKeel of Nashville; her grandchildren, Dee McKeel (Lauren) and Blake McKeel (Natalie); her great-grandchildren, Emerson, Ellie, Tripp, and Harrison; and her sister-in-law, Ann Baker. A Funeral Service to celebrate Florence’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Neil Woodcock officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. The family would like to say a special thank you to the loving staff at Brekenridge Retirement Center for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Florence’s memory to Englewood Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Englewood Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.