Vicki Keel

At the end of Vicki's obituary information is a requested charity in lieu of flowers. Vicki Jean Cathey Keel was called home to be with the Lord on February 17, 2019. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after an incredible life extended by a lung transplant in 2014. Vicki was born in Dallas, Texas to Ima and Fred Cathey on November 26, 1942. Her family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana when she was a child where she would graduate from East Jefferson High School in Metairie in 1960. She would go on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) in Lafayette and become a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Later in life she went back to school and earned her Master’s Degree in Education at the University Of Houston Clear Lake. Vicki loved being an elementary school teacher for over 25 years. Her favorite grade to teach was 4th grade. She was chosen as Teacher of the Year at both Youens Elementary in Alief and Travis Elementary in Lamar School District. She retired from teaching in 1999 to enjoy the first of her beloved grandchildren, Will. Vicki married Jim Keel in 1985 and they spent the next 34 years traveling the world and enjoying friends and family. Vicki traveled to over 40 foreign countries and ALL 50 states! She was a member of DAR and UDC as well as a founding member of the Empty Nesters Sunday School class at Foundry United Methodist Church. She loved all sports and especially enjoyed cheering for her Saints, Aggies, Astros, Rockets and The Woodlands High School Highlanders. Vicki loved animals especially dogs and had a dog her entire life with her sweet Ginger passing away just a couple weeks before her. Vicki had a gift for making everyone feel loved and at home. Her strength came from her faith in Jesus Christ and it was shown in her beautiful blue eyes and bright smile. Following her lung transplant in 2014, she told everyone how God has blessed her with more time to spend with her husband, daughters, grandchildren and friends. Vicki was a steadfast, loyal and loving friend to many. She had many friends she treasured for 50 years and more. She believed each day was the day the Lord had made and she wanted to rejoice and be glad in it! She is preceded in death by her parents Ima and Fred Cathey and her sisters Colleen Green and Gail Watson. She is survived by her loving husband Jim Keel, devoted daughters Tracy Bowling and husband Chris, and Leslie Boyle, beloved grandchildren Will Bowling, Brooke Bowling, Ella Boyle and Evan Boyle and compassionate stepson Kevin Keel along with many precious nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Vicki to the following charities: Hope Disaster Recovery – an organization formed after Hurricane Harvey to help communities recover after disaster by coordinating volunteer efforts, repairing homes and the spiritual care of families affected by a disaster. 12715 Telge Road Cypress, TX 77429 Hopedrtx.org The Heart Exchange – 6720 Bertner Ave., MC4-129 Houston, TX 77030 www.heartexchange.org