Joseph Edward Keeton

Deacon Joseph Edward Keeton, 71, of Chase City, VA entered eternal rest on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at VCU Medical Center, Richmond, VA.

Mr. Keeton was born in Mecklenburg County, VA on November 2, 1952 to Mary Lena Keeton and the late Lattie B. Brice. He was a 1971 graduate of Bluestone Senior High School. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. At Bethlehem, he was actively involved in Sunday School the Usher Board, the Trustee Board, and the choir. Mr. Keeton was ordained a Deacon on August 7, 2005.

Mr. Keeton was active in the community and served with the Chase City Fire Department where he was the second Black volunteer fireman in the Southside District. He served there for 22 years and reached the rank of First Lieutenant. Mr. Keeton was elected twice to the Chase City Town Council and was also the first Black head coach of Chase City’s Dixie Youth Baseball League. He served as a board member of the Estes Community Center, as well as on the Board of Equalization for Mecklenburg County. Mr. Keeton was employed as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Mecklenburg County for 30 years and retired from his position of sergeant on January 31, 2010.

In his spare time Joe enjoyed fishing, photography, listening to old music, making CDs, playing computer games, playing cards, and watching old television shows.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 50 years, Pauline Blackwell Keeton of Chase City, VA; son, Bryan Kole Keeton of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Sayrianna Marie Johnson of Charlottesville, VA; mother, Mary Keeton Love of Chase City, VA; sister, Gladys Brown of Mount Rainier, MD; three sisters-in-law, Bettye Blackwell of Durham, NC, Brenda Blackwell of Newport News, VA and Katherene Murray of North Chesterfield, VA; two brothers-in-law, Herman “Billy” Blackwell (Perscilla) of Clarksville, VA, and Clarence Blackwell (Bertha) of Chase City, VA and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Chase City, VA with Rev. Dr. Ricky A. Lee, officiating. Burial will follow in Thyne Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Chase City, VA. Public viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M.

Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, VA.