Norma Mae Keefer, 77, of Paris, passed away at 1:12 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, in the emergency room of Paris Community Hospital. She was retired after more than 20 years as a third grade teacher at Redmon and Mayo schools in Paris.
Services celebrating her life are 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Templeton Funeral Home, with Pastor John Youngblood officiating. Burial follows in Edgar Cemetery. Visitation is from noon until the service time Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Keefer was born Sept. 29, 1939, at Paris, the daughter of the late Roy and Olla Mae Cash Kirby Sr. She married Phillip Keefer Oct. 14, 1962, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Paris. He preceded her in death March 7, 1978.
Survivors include two brothers, Donald E. Kirby of Auburndale, Fla., and Larry Kirby of Kissimmee, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, including her dear cousin and caregiver, Evelyn M. Biggs of Paris.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Jerry Kirby, Leo Kirby and Roy Kirby Jr.
Mrs. Keefer attended Asbury College in Tennessee and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. She was a member of New Beginnings Church of Paris and of the former Trinity United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3601 and American Legion Post #211 Auxiliaries. She was a life masters bridge player and also loved playing cards and computer games. She will be remembered as a generous person who donated scholarships through the years, was kind to animals and enjoyed watching and caring for birds.
Memorial donations may be made to Sutton Senior Center or to Paul Warner Animal Rescue.
Online condolences may be left at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com.