Shirley Mae Parker Keen, age 82, of Benton, was born January 16, 1941, at Wolf Island, MO, to the late Chroma Lee "Banty" Parker and Mavis Christine Poley Parker, and died Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Shirley Mae was the matriarch of her family. Her love for her family was unconditional and steadfast. She was a God fearing Christian with upmost honesty and integrity, treating others with love and respect, being generous in sharing her faith. She loved to praise the Lord in song and will always be remembered for singing of the hymns "How Great Thou Art" and "It is Well with My Soul".  She was a member of the Unity Baptist Church at Benton where she was the song leader and a Sunday school teacher for many years.

Shirley loved the color red and was a big Elvis fan. You knew it as soon as you entered her home.  She was a hard working determined woman.  She mowed her own yard until she was no longer able.  Shirley learned to play the piano at age 70 and learned to swim at age 72.   She was so proud of those two accomplishments.

On September 20, 1974, she married Robert Lee "Bob" Keen, who preceded her in death on July 24, 2004.

Surviving is her daughter, Michelle (Boyd) Pattengill of Benton; her grandchildren, Justin (Jessica) Pattengill of Cape Girardeau; Brandin (Tosha) Pattengill of Benton; Brooks (Jenny) Heuring of Sikeston; Brant Heuring of Benton and Brittney Heuring Douglas of East Prairie; her great grandchildren, Elly, Lola, Isabella, Lilah and Miya Pattengill; Caleb and Bella Helton; Abigail and Gracie Heuring; Kara and Jaydon Wheatley and Grayson Douglas; her brother, Ronald (Connie) Parker of Mohave Valley, AZ; her sister, Lawanda Parker Moore of Imperial, MO; and two special nephews, Jeff Moore and Tim Moore and their families.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother in law, Larry Moore.

A private family service will be held.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.