Georgia Keels

Georgia Lee Keels

1944 – 2025

Georgia Lee Keels, beloved wife, devoted mother, and treasured Granny, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 80, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 12, 1944, in Marianna, Florida to Emory and Myra Cook. Georgia lived a full and beautiful life marked by faith, humor, and an unwavering love for her family. She met the love of her life, Earl, in 1963, and just 15 days later, the two were married—a love story that would span 62 wonderful years. Together, they built a life overflowing with joy, raising children and welcoming 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and excitedly awaiting the arrival of a 9th great-grand and the first great-great-grandchild.

Georgia dedicated many years to her work at Florida State Hospital before retiring in 1994. Retirement gave her more time for the things she loved most—baking homemade caramel cakes and coconut pies, spoiling her family, and keeping her doors open to anyone who stopped by. She insisted that no one ever left her home hungry. Her hospitality and love for others knew no bounds.

Affectionately known to all as “Granny,” she was sharp as a tack, deeply loving, and refreshingly unfiltered—she spoke her truth whether you were ready to hear it or not. She never met a stranger, and no matter who you were, she insisted you call her Granny. Walmart runs for snacks and groceries were a regular part of life, all to ensure her cupboards were full and ready for the grandkids’ next visit. And always near by was her loyal dog, Hunter, who brought her constant joy and companionship in her later years.

Granny’s love and legacy live on through the family she held so dear. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Earl Keels, and their beloved daughter, Tina Melott (Matt). Her memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren: Hank Keels (Tiffany), Ashley Fulton (Scott), Heath Tolar (Carly), Kymberlyn Davis (Graham), Hailee McCaskill (Micah), and Nate Melott (Kelsee); as well as her great-grandchildren: Maison Fulton, Lillian Bird (Alec), Chason Neal, Lillian Davis, Benjamin Tolar, Cash Fulton, Jackson Keels, Madelynn Tolar, Evelyn Grace McCaskill, and Khloe Melott. She was also joyfully awaiting the arrival of her first great-great-grandchild, John Bird.

Granny was the kind of person who never wanted anyone to feel like a stranger. She’d hand out her address freely and extend a standing invitation to come sit with her on the dock—whether it was for a long conversation or just to enjoy the view. Even in her later years, while living with dementia, Georgia was never afraid to ask with a grin, “Do I know you?” And no matter how the conversation began, it always ended the same way: “I love you.”

Granny was truly blessed beyond measure—but not nearly as much as we were to have had her in our lives. Life will never be the same without her, but her legacy will live on in all those who loved her.

A celebration of Georgia’s life will be held on August 15, 2025 with a visitation at 2:00 EST and the service beginning at 3:00 EST at Antioch Baptist Church. In honor of her generous spirit, the family asks that you remember her by sharing a memory, a laugh, and a little bit of honesty—just like Granny would have wanted.

God looked around his garden and found an empty place, He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered, ‘Peace be Thine’. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, FL.,