Barbara Jean Lewis Keenan, 91, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Ridgecrest Rehabilitation in Jonesboro.
She was born on November 11, 1932, at Poplar Ridge, to Henry Grady Lewis and Mildred E Brown Lewis.
She recently lived at Southwind Heights in Jonesboro. Barbara was a 1950 graduate of Monette High School. After graduating from LaVera Beauty School in Jonesboro she went to Michigan to become an instructor and was a successful business owner for many years, later she became a real estate salesperson earning several monthly awards. She was the only female in a Dale Carnegie course of 31 showing her drive to continuously improve herself.
Family was very special to her, and all remember the great times on the boat and at the cottage on Lake Michigan. She lived many years in Michigan and retirement years in Florida before moving back to Arkansas for her final time. She was a strong supporter of her son and stepchildren along with her special nieces and nephews through the years. She loved dogs and more than one special one during her life, with the last being Abigale.
Barbara was athletic, playing basketball in high school and tennis starting in her early retirement, earning trophies against much younger players. She also was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed many hours with her fellow players. She was a very friendly person and interested in people making friends in Michigan, Florida, and Arkansas.
She is survived by her son, Jimmy Smith of Jonesboro, one stepdaughter, Candice Rudnik of Grand Rapids, MI., and grandchildren, Ian and Collin Rudnik, Ryan Keenan of Grand Haven, MI., along with nephews David Schmitt of Kokomo, IN., and Dennis Schmitt of Muskegan, MI., and niece, Charlotte Stewart of Nashville, TN., and brother-in-law Elden Schmitt of Plainwell, MI.
We will all remember her for the kind, supportive and gracious human that she was. She was so full of life and positive about things making her someone you wanted to be around.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank Keenan, sisters, Helen Sipes and Bertha Schmitt. Also, by her stepson Brian Keenan, who returned her kindness and was very close to her in her later years. Her nephew, Douglas Schmitt and niece, Shirley Rice also precede her and were as special as all her family.
Services will be private under the direction of Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home in Jonesboro. For Memorials, please consider NEA Humane Society, St. Jude Childrens Hospital, or American Cancer Society.