Christi Johnson Keelen

She was born April 29, 1978, in Lubbock, Texas to Carl and Annette Johnson. Christi was raised in Abernathy, Texas, where she was a shining light for her family, classmates, and teachers. She was an honor student, basketball player, State twirler, and Homecoming Queen. She was the best big sister anyone could ask for and an amazing and treasured daughter.

She married the love of her life, Mark Keelen, on July 20, 2002, and moved to Kingwood, Texas. In 2005, Christi welcomed a beloved son Hunter, making their family complete. Christi was a devoted wife and mother with strong family values. She reveled in watching her son and husband in all their activities. She cherished making memories with her family. She had a strong love for life, reading, and learning. She was always ready for an adventure.

Christi received her Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and began teaching at Caprock High School in Amarillo, Texas. She went on to teach at Kingwood High School, Timberwood Middle School, and Creekwood Middle School. After earning her Master’s Degree from St. Thomas University, she worked at Region IV Service Center. Later, she became the Dean of Students at East Early College and Quest College. In December 2018, she completed her Doctoral Degree. Christi was currently teaching at Kingwood Park High School and the University of Houston Downtown. Dr. Keelen had a passion for teaching and helping her students.

Christi was the most beautiful person, with a bubbly, outgoing, funny personality to match. Her curly red hair, huge brown eyes, radiant smile, and cheerful laughter will not be forgotten, but the impression she left on people’s hearts was even more meaningful. Christi was always kind and genuinely caring, and she had an amazing sense of humor. She was friends with everyone she met. She was the type of person everyone wanted to be around because people knew she loved them for who they were. She loved her job, teaching, and guiding kids. She loved her role as wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Christi was truly beautiful inside and out.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 17 years, Mark Keelen; a wonderful 14 year old son, Hunter Keelen; her mother and father, Annette and Carl Johnson of Abernathy; her little sister, Kelli Schwertner and brother-in-law, Matt; niece, Elizabeth, and nephews, Rhett and Miles, of Farwell, Texas; aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, and an abundance of dear friends.