Mary Browder Keith

January 1, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Surrounded by members of her adoring family, Mary Browder Keith died peacefully at The Sharon at Southpark on Monday, January 1, 2024, at age 99.

Mary was born on October 28, 1924, in Dadeville, AL to George and Era Browder, and married Larry Ficquette Keith on February 17, 1945.  They had three children before moving to Charlotte in 1954.  She was formerly employed by Travelers Insurance Company as a claims adjustor and was a long-time active member of Sharon Presbyterian Church.  

Mary was known and loved for her ever-present smile and generosity. She lived by the positive maxim, “The glass is half full.” She had a remarkable ability to get anywhere she needed to go without ever having learned to drive. “My car’s in the shop,” she would always laugh.  She fervently believed in walking and public transportation, not to mention turnip greens and black-eyed peas on New Years.  And, oh yes, don’t place anything on top of the Bible.

Mary is survived by her son, Larry Keith and his wife, Carolyn of Charlotte; daughter, Debbie Whelchel and her husband, Don of Charlotte; nine grandchildren, Robert, Edward and Andrew Keith, Christine Switzer, Scott Whelchel, Sara Whelchel, Anna Katherine Pratt, Cheri Suddreth and Sam Pueschel.  Also surviving are her 13 great-grandchildren, John Browder, Knox Keith, Will Keith and Beckett Keith, Blaise and Virgil Switzer Vance and Regan Whelchel, Holden, Pierce Davis, Owen Pratt, Paxton and Skylar Suddreth.  She was predeceased by her husband, Larry on April 15, 1986; her third child, Charlotte Elizabeth Pueschel in 2006, and Charlotte’s son, Kenny Pueschel in 2022.

Her remarkable life will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Sharon Presbyterian Church.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Mary to Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Russ Robinson

    I am so honored to have known Mary Keith since 1961, she brightened so many lives for so many years. I do know that Momma Keith will be quickly engaged in deep laughter with my Mother in their heavenly conversations.

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  • Mary Bennett Hansbrough and Larry Hansbrough

    Aunt Mary was a caring, loving lady who stayed active her whole life. She was a genuine pleasure to be around and a joy to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

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