Barbara B. McKeown

Barbara Breen McKeown, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on May 13, 2023. Barbara was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 25, 1928 to John Bennett Breen and Bessie Hutt Breen (West). She enjoyed a very happy childhood growing up on her grandparents’ farm in Garden Grove and at her family home on Mount Fair Ave. of Brooksville, FL. She was the Salutatorian of Hernando High School’s class of 1946. She furthered her education at Florida State College for Women and later graduated from Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City. Barbara worked as a secretary for Marshall Field’s in New York until she returned home to Brooksville for a visit. On that visit, she realized she had fallen in love with the boy who had lived next door to her since they were in the fourth grade. Barbara and Leland McKeown were married on November 16, 1952 and began building their home and life together on Mildred Ave. in Brooksville. They enjoyed being surrounded by a large extended family and many friends. They were actively involved in the community they loved. Much of their life centered around the First United Methodist Church where Barbara sang soprano in the Choir. Barbara worked several years as a teller/secretary at the Hernando State Bank. Barbara and Leland started and operated a successful State Farm Insurance agency. Her supreme organizational skills and strong work ethic served each office well. All she had ever really wanted was to be a wife and mother. God heard her prayers. What a wonderful wife and helpmate she was to Leland for the nearly sixty years they were married. She was completely devoted to her two children and later to their spouses and her seven grandchildren whom she just adored. Barbara always wanted a big family and God blessed her with that as well. She loved welcoming all her grandchildren’s spouses into the family and was overjoyed when she could spend time loving on her seven great-grandchildren. She was so looking forward to the birth of her eighth great grandchild, named Leland. Sadly, she just missed that special event by a few days. But, as Barbara would always say, God’s timing is perfect and He has a plan and a purpose for everyone.

Thankfully, God blessed Barbara with a long life, full of purpose for 94 amazing years. She was a sweet blessing to all who knew her. Barbara loved the Lord and made it her mission to serve Him through serving others. God gave her such a heart and a love for people. She genuinely cared and wanted only “His best” for everyone. She was always ready to give a helping hand, a listening ear, godly advice, words of encouragement, a big smile, and an even bigger hug. She was also known to bake a batch of her signature oatmeal cookies, a Texas Sheet Cake, or Hummingbird Cake for every special gathering…or just when she felt one needed it! Most recently her health prohibited her from being as active as she had always been, but that allowed her even more time to do her most important work…PRAY.

Obviously, Barbara (Barby, Aunt Barbara, Mom, Grandma, Gigi, Gargi) was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Her family will forever be grateful for the many precious memories made and the priceless legacy of love she gave. Though we are apart for now; a wonderful reunion awaits! When we all get to heaven…What a day of rejoicing that will be!

Barbara is survived by her:

Brother, Robert Breen (Buzzy) and his wife Nancy of Lakeland, FL

Sister- in- law, Joyce McKeown of Lakeland, FL

Son, Leland P. McKeown Jr. (Lee) and his wife Sue of Wilmore, KY

Daughter, Marilyn Clark and her husband Dan of Lancaster, KY

Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: Andrew and Katy McKeown (Grace and Chanel), Sarah and Sean McKay, Jonathan and Kirsten McKeown (Leland), Miriam McKeown and Sam Smart, Benjamin and Victoria Clark (David and Samuel), Matthew and Ashley Clark (Leanna and Nora), Anna and Wesley Pitts (Ansley)

She also leaves behind many dear relatives, forever friends, and special loved ones… all of whom she treasured.

On June 16, 2023, a Visitation (10:00 AM) and a Celebration of Barbara’s life (11:00 AM) will be held at Merritt’s Funeral Home in Brooksville. Burial will follow at the Lake Lindsey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

The Methodist School Center of Brooksville, FL

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association