Kitty Joan McKeel

Kitty Joan McKeel, whose life was a testament to compassion and dedication, passed away on March 18, 2024, at Savannah Grand. A visitation to honor and celebrate Kitty's life will be held on Thursday March 21st at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Columbus at 10:00 AM followed by interment at Parkhill Cemetery at 11:15 AM with Pastor Jonathan McNeese officiating.
 
Kitty Joan (Forrest) McKeel was born on September 30, 1934, in Cataula, Georgia to parents Joseph Bennie Forrest and Martha Kate Allen Forrest. Kitty was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many. After earning her Master's Degree of Science and Nursing, she worked as Director of Nursing at Oak Manor Nursing Home and then Administrator at West Central until her retirement in 2000. Her commitment to caring for others extended beyond the professional realm; it was ingrained in her very being.
 
Kitty was a great encourager and someone who genuinely loved people. Her warm personality left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her dedication to her work and her unwavering kindness set her apart.
 
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kitty enjoyed various hobbies and interests that brought her joy. She loved to attend church, was an avid reader, and made beautiful memories fishing and playing board games with her family. She also possessed a talent for writing beautiful poetry that was cherished by her beloved husband.
 
Kitty is survived by a loving family who will carry on her legacy of love and kindness. She is survived by daughters Melonie McKeel Bailey (Donnie) and Kitty Joandra McKeel McKelvey (Richard), son John Charles McKeel Jr., brothers Joe David Forrest and Steven Lawrence Forrest (Nancy), along with 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren who meant the world to her, special cousins Diana & Adair Mulkey, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as several special caregivers including Mattie Richardson.
 
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband John Charles McKeel, a daughter Martha Lynne McKeel Walker, son David Mark McKeel, daughter-in-law Karen Pollock McKeel, grandson Steven Charles McKeel, brother William Forrest, and sister Martha Burris.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice who took wonderful care of Mrs. McKeel in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice in honor of Kitty. 
 
Kitty McKeel will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire all those whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace knowing she made the world a better place.