Hazel Mildred Keithley

Hazel Keithley was born in Arkansas in 1923 and passed away peacefully in Fresno on January 5, 2018 at age 94 after a sudden illness. She was a homemaker.

As a child, Hazel, her parents and sister, Golda, migrated to California during the Dust Bowl era and settled in the Bay Area during World War II. There, she met our Dad, John Keithley, and enjoyed 64 years of a blissful marriage until Dad’s death in 2004

Mom’s life was one of service to her family and her church. She was a founding member of the Zion Missionary Baptist Church (now the 1st Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno) since 1955 and was a faithful member for the next 63 years. She was a skilled vocalist and pianist and was frequently sought out for weddings and choir presentations in her church.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Golden Wain Scott and Evie Scott, her loving husband John F. Keithley, and her grand-daughter, Adrianne Nicole Peterson. She is survived by her sister, Golda Rudd of Cathedral City, sons John G. Keithley (and Marie), Toby Keithley (and Patricia), and Steve Keithley (and Marcy), along with 12 grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

We are especially thankful to John and Marie Keithley who cared for Mom during the last many months, allowing her to live in comfort at home with family.

Viewing will be held at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Polasky Ave, Clovis on Friday, January 12 from 4-8 p.m. A brief graveside service will be held at the Clovis Cemetery on Saturday, January 12, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the 1st Missionary Baptist Church, 1195 E Shepherd Ave., Fresno.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Hazel's memory may be made to Parkinson's Foundation, 2300 SE 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33131.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Keithley family.