Nettie Harlow Keens

Nettie Mildred Harlow Keens (age 86, born May 7, 1934) formerly of Rockbridge Baths and Lexington, Virginia passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Arlington, Virginia on 12/29/2020, following a lengthy battle with Carcinoid Syndrome. For Nettie, family was a priority and she was always eager to share her cooking, sewing, and gardening expertise. She found pleasure in working with flowers, yard plants, and sharing her homemade pepper jelly. She enjoyed walking through the neighborhood meeting and conversing with neighbors. Her love for children of all ages and companion animals created many lasting relationships. Nettie’s “can-do” work ethic was recognized in her business life and as an active member of the Glen Carlyn (Crossroads) and Columbia Baptist Church families. Throughout her life she contributed to the lives of many through charitable giving and as a volunteer on numerous committees. Memories of Nettie will live on in the hearts and minds of those she interacted with as well as those she never met in person. Nettie is survived by her husband of 55 years William Charles Keens, three sons (Charles Houston [Helen Strohschein], Edward Vernon [Victoria Markiewicz], William Richard [Linda Kling], one daughter (Deborah Darlene Pickett), and Lewis’s wife [Margaret (Peggy) Banacki]. She gave loving support to 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother George Elwood Harlow [Shirley Hamilton] and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Nettie was preceded in death by her infant sister (Alise Gretchen Harlow), father (June Jackson Harlow), mother (Mildred Fix Harlow), and son (Lewis Douglas Keens). The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Medical Community, Home Health Care Givers, Hospice, Lyon Village Community neighbors and friends for the compassionate care and support Nettie received from them. In keeping with her wishes, funeral and memorial services will be held privately with the family. Nettie’s final resting place will be at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens, 116 Peaceful Ln, Lexington, VA 24450 at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, help Nettie’s kindness, loyalty, and compassion for others continue by considering a donation to the Columbia Baptist Church Building Fund, (103 West Columbia St. Falls Church, Va.) https://www.columbiabaptist.org.