Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 10, 2026

Elizabeth (Liz) Wildman McKeithen died peacefully on August 10, 2026 at the age of 88 among her loving family and trusting in our loving God. Liz, the daughter of John Eugene and Clendon Brown Wildman, was born on December 31, 1937, in her paternal grandparent's home in rural Martin County. She spent her pre-school years in her maternal grandparent's home in Swan Quarter, Hyde County while her father served as an infantry officer throughout World War II - a time that nurtured her abiding love of family and simple life.

Liz lived in Winston-Salem through her school years graduating from R. J. Reynolds High School and thereafter from Women's College (now UNC-Greensboro). She married Ward McKeithen in January 1961 with whom she was lovingly married for the remaining 65 years of her full and loving life.

They lived in Charlotte for the last 60 years and were blessed with three children - Ashley Nelson and husband Scott, Alex McKeithen and wife Haruyo, and Millicent Kang and husband John, and five grandchildren Elizabeth and Carter Nelson and Alexandria Kang McPhail and Davis and Zoe Kang - each a joy of her life.

Liz taught in public elementary school before raising her family and after their completion of college, she earned a Masters of Social Work from UNC-CH and was a social worker with Novant Presbyterian Hospital for several years.

Liz loved life and was gracious and grateful in its living. She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder and Deacon and was recipient of an Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women.

She was a dear friend to many, an active volunteer, an avid gardener and traveler, a devoted member of book and bridge clubs and always an encourager of others.

Liz lived a loving and serving life and was simply a terrific friend, wife, mother and grandmother and maker and nurturer of family and home. She was a true blessing to all.

A memorial service in celebration of Liz's life and resurrection will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Trade St., Charlotte. Visitation with family and friends will be after the service in the Wood Fellowship Hall adjacent to the sanctuary.

Memorials in memory of Liz may be made to First Presbyterian Church - Music Ministry or TV Ministry - 200 West Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202, or to one's charity of choice.

The family expresses its gratitude to VIA Health Partners for its kind and caring hospice services.

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