Mary Ann Shaw Keith

Mary Ann Keith, aged 76, passed away peacefully at her home on November 1, 2024. Born on February 10, 1948, Mary Ann lived a life full of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.

 Mary Ann was known for her warm heart and generous spirit. She touched the lives of many with her unwavering support and compassion. Her career as an accountant at the Veteran Affairs Hospital and later at the Environmental Protection Agency was marked by dedication and excellence, earning her deep respect from her colleagues and friends. Over her career, she received multiple awards for exemplary customer service and innovation and several Bronze Medals for outstanding service and achievements that supported the agency’s mission.

 Mary Ann was also deeply committed to her community, volunteering on several executive boards including the AIDS Community Residence Association (ACRA), United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Redwood Ruritan Club. She enjoyed playing cards weekly with her local women’s group and was very active with her church at Plainview Baptist and the Bethesda Primetimers.

 Mary Ann’s family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She is survived by her sons: Jeff Bailey, Jimmy Keith, and Christopher Keith; her grandchildren: Caleb Keith, Justin Keith, Zachary Bailey, Logan Ramsey, and Jasmine Garrett; her great-grandchildren: Reid Wilder Bailey, Lewis, and Kesiya; her brother, John Shaw; and her adopted children: Curtis Blue and Terry Creech. She has joined her beloved husband, James Alfred Keith, Sr., and her dear son, Rick Bailey, who preceded her in death.

 Mary Ann will be remembered for her warm smile, big heart, joyful laughter, and love for others. She always woke up in a good mood, ready to bring her kindness to everyone around her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

 A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Plainview Baptist Church, 5200 Cheek Road, Durham, NC, where friends and family will gather to celebrate her life. Rev. Bob Kerr and Dr. Myron Yandle will officiate.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Redwood Ruritan Club (4803 Cheek Rd, Durham, NC 27704), designated to a garden project in her memory.