Frances Elizabeth Gatewood Keener 

Frances Elizabeth Gatewood Keener, born February 6, 1940, to the late James Ashby Gatewood and Ida Frances Chunn, peacefully passed away on May 5, 2024. Frances was a beacon of light and joy who touched the lives of many before her quiet departure.

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Known to all as Ms. Frances, a testament to her humble and unpretentious nature. Her life was a rich tapestry woven with love, resilience, and unforgettable experiences.

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Frances is survived by her loving children, Ava Grigg, Leon Snyder, Seneca Hudson, and Rocheena Pointer. She was a pure soul who always extended her affection to her children, nurturing them with unbound love and lessons of life. Each of them carries forward her legacy in their individual ways, cherishing the immeasurable impact she left on their lives.\

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She was sadly predeceased by her son, Ronnie Gatewood, and her adored husband, Harold Keener. Their memories continue to remain alive in her heart, and she now joins them in the peaceful afterlife.

Frances was a dedicated childcare professional renowned for her nurturing spirit and deep care for others. She had an in-home daycare for over 20 years and helped countless parents raise their children. It was more than daycare. She fed them, bathed them, did their hair and gave out relationship advice to the parents too. Her love and compassion for those around her were unmatched.

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Ms. Frances as she was called was an excellent cook. People loved everything she made. Her potato salad and corn pudding were favorites. She was a diehard Washington Redskins fan, not so much the Commanders. She loved Tom Jones and Isaac Hayes and Harold singing "I Surrender All' in church. Frances had a zest for life that manifested in her love for road trips, despite never learning how to drive.

Ms. Frances had a keen eye for beauty, particularly in clothes and furniture, and in her later years, she developed a special affection for cats, especially her beloved companion, Duncan.

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Interment private and at the convenience of the family.