Mary Nell Keene was a woman with a one-word mission statement: love. Love for God, love for family, love for friends, love for strangers, and love for animals. Her deepest joy was her love for children, which shaped not only her family but her life's calling.

Born December 5, 1936, to Henry and Alice Brown, Mary Nell spent her childhood on a farm in Keechi, Texas. She was surrounded by loved ones who adored her, though, as the baby of the family, she was often teased mercilessly by her sisters and brother. Perhaps all that teasing allowed her to grow into a woman with resilience, prepared to navigate even the most difficult situations with grace.

Her love for God was profound and enduring. A longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, she and Herschel later retired in Pleasanton, TX, where she dedicated herself to teaching Sunday school at First Baptist Church. Through her lifelong devotion, Jesus was her friend, her advisor, and her rock, and His presence shone in her many acts of kindness—even to wild animals.

Her passion for children extended to her career, teaching kindergarten at private church schools for 30 years. Herschel would often tease her, saying she shouldn't let her boss know she'd gladly do it for free.

Her dedication was unmatched, and her heart for ministry extended beyond the classroom. Throughout her life, she cared for shut-ins and residents of nursing homes and assisted living centers, embodying God's love through her outreach.

As a young woman, Mary Nell attended North Texas Williams College, where she met her future husband, Herschel Keene, while living with her sister, Carolyn, and Jesse Groom. Her love story and her family became the foundation of a life centered around nurturing others. Her love for animals began with her beloved cats as a little girl and grew into a deep compassion for all creatures. She and Herschel allowed her sons all kinds of pets, including dogs, a peacock, duck, snakes, rabbits and a skunk named Nosy that was given to them by their veterinarian! That skunk was just one example of her boundless heart, but no love compared to her love for children.

Before her sons Stuart and Michael came along, she and Herschel decided to foster a little girl who brought them immeasurable joy, and though she returned to her biological family, Mary Nells heart was forever touched. Soon after, Stuart and then Michael filled her heart and home. Later, they served as foster parents to a deaf middle schooler for a short time, while the church found a permanent home for him. Her love for them and that special little girl led her to her career and life's passion—helping kindergarteners discover the world and Jesus.

The world has lost an earth angel, but surely, Mary Nell continues her mission, spreading love wherever she is.

She is preceded in death by her husband Herschel, her son Michael, siblings Selma Wellborn, Betty Evans, Harry Brown, Carolyn Croom and Doris Henderson.

She is survived by her son Stuart Keene and his wife Trisha Keene, his children Mary and Andrew, a beloved niece whom she loved like a daughter, Babs Peterson and numerous other nieces and nephews as well as her friends at Argent Court.

Mary Nell Keene went to heaven on October 18, 2024. Her life will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 2:30pm at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, Shelter #3, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78209.