Carolyn Waneen Sanders Keener, 83, passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2026.
She was born on October 12, 1942 in Loretto, TN. She was married to Ethridge Franklin Keener for 57 years and lived in Leoma, TN most of her life. She attended Loretto High School, then attended Columbia State Community College where she received her GED. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and taking care of the people she loved.
She was a member of Dunn United Methodist Church. She worked at Publix Shirt Corporation for 25 years, Ideal Tridon until the plant closed, then retired from SaarGummi Tennessee Inc. in Pulaski, TN. After retirement, she went back to work at the Lawrence County public schools as a cafeteria worker for a few years. In retirement, she enjoyed cooking, watching westerns, and spending as much time as she could with her family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ethridge Franklin Keener; her mother, Mattie Taylor; one daughter, Saundra Gail Keener; and six siblings, Mable Walters (Lonnie), Alton Sanders, Bobby Walters, Willie Walters, Mailion Walters, and Mike Walters.
She is survived by one daughter, Deborah Rose (Junior); grandchildren, Amber Hollins (Tyler) and Andrew Boshers; siblings, Margie Clifft, Harvie Walters (Lori), and Craig Walters (Renee); several nieces; and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 3:00 PM Friday, July 24, 2026, with Jason Keener officiating. Interment will follow at Dunn Cemetery in Leoma, TN.
