Mrs. Nell Marie Gragg Keller of Lenoir NC went home to be with her Lord Monday July 31st, 2023, from Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. She was 84 years young. Mrs. Keller was born April 17th, 1939, in Avery County to the late Alfred Archie and Neta Coffey Gragg. She had 5 brothers and 4 sisters. Nell was a yarn winder operator at Shuford Mills and retired in December 1986. She was a great cook & seamstress. Nell was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved being with her family and her church family at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She was a great example of the Christian faith.
She also considered the staff and residents of Sharie Center to be her family as well. While there, she enjoyed all the activities, especially playing bingo. One of her dearest acquaintances was Richard Keener. Because of their bond, our families made a special connection.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Rev. Romulus Houck Setzer; her second husband, Bill Alexander Keller; three brothers, Billy, Johnny and Busalee Gragg; two sisters, Leola Townsend and Patsy Curtis and one stepdaughter, Sandy Monday.
Survivors include three children, Daniel Setzer, Debbie Stamey, and Julia Bess; two stepchildren, Billy Keller, and Denise Keller; and one stepson-in-law, Stewart Monday.
Eight Grandchildren, Brandon Stamey, Nicole Fortenberry, Lindsay Cunningham, Cody Bess, Chasity Setzer, Joshua Setzer, Amanda Potter, Chad Setzer; three step grandchildren, Brooke Combs, Cassandra Monday, Crystal Keller.
Ten great grandchildren, Clint Stamey, Dylan Smack, Elias Bess, Cayden Smart, Iana Setzer, Caroline Stamey, Ariana Carr, Isabella Fortenberry, Paisley Cunningham, Ilee Setzer; five step grandchildren, Nathan Fortenberry, Peyton Shuman, Kierstin Poteet, Serana Poteet, Witt Setzer.
Several nieces & nephews.
She will be missed immensely but was faithful to leave behind a great spiritual legacy for her family and friends.
The Receiving of Friends will be Friday August 4th, from 2 until 3 pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lenoir. The Celebration of Life will follow at 3 pm. The burial will be at Blue Ridge Memorial
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com for the Keller family.
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