Barbara Sue Duren Keeton affectionately known to most as “Granny” was born February 03, 1935 on Double Branches in Collinwood, TN to the union of the late William Mack “Bill” and Belva Carden Duren. She was united in marriage to N.J. Keeton on March 19, 1954. This union was blessed with two children, Norris Jay and Myra Jan. Mr. Keeton preceded her in death on July 1, 2009. Mrs. Keeton graduated from Collinwood Highschool in May of 1953. She began her working career at Genesco Manufacturing in Waynesboro and then worked for Lewis Products in Hohenwald, Clifton Manufacturing and Mallory Manufacturing in Waynesboro. She then attended Wayne County Vocational School where she obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing License. She found her love for helping people as she began to serve the community at the local hospital. She was employed from 1978 to 1997 at the hospital serving in roles from the intensive care, emergency department, pediatrics, recovery and med-surge. Following her 19 years of dedication through the hospital, she went to work for Wayne County Boot Camp as a Clinic Nurse. She loved to cook and was affectionately known by many as the ‘Chocolate Pie Lady’. She loved going to Gospel Singings and spending time with her family and friends. Mrs. Keeton departed this life on May 24, 2026 at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tn making her stay in this life some 91 years, 3 months, and 21 days.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Col. (R) Norris Jay Keeton and wife Debra of Spring Hill, TN; daughter, Myra Jan Goss of Waynesboro, TN; one brother, Duane Duren and wife Reba of Leoma, TN; She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jennifer Keeton of Spring Hill, TN; Nathan Keeton of Columbia, TN; Theresa Keeton Beach of Spring Hill, TN; Adam Goss of Waynesboro, TN; and one great grandchild, Kaitlyn Beach of Spring Hill, TN as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and loving friends.
In addition to her parents and husband of 56 years, she is preceded in death by two sisters, Wilma McGee (Grady); Marjorie Graham (J.C.); her grandparents, Oscar Duren and Alva Bell Moore Duren Kelley; James K Polk and Vannie Mitchell Carden.
Visitation with the Keeton family will be on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel and again on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 11:00 AM until service time at 2:00 PM at Eastview Baptist Church
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM at Eastview Baptist Church with Bro. Larry Janes, Bro. Jason Love, and Bro. Donnie Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in the Keeton Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearer include: Jay Keeton, Adam Goss, Nathan Keeton, Daryl Duren, Branston Duren, Gary Lynn, Dallas Goss and Donny Keeton.
