Keefe, Beatrice Hickman

  • Saturday, July 4, 2015
Beatrice Keefe
Beatrice Keefe

Beatrice Hickman Keefe, 95, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, died on July 3, 2015.  

She attended Ridgedale Baptist Church where she was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class.  Beatrice graduated from Chattanooga City High School, Class of 1938.  She attended The University of Tennessee at Knoxville for three years during World War II. Later, in 1972, she graduated from The University of Tennessee Chattanooga receiving her B.S. degree at the age of 52. Beatrice was a member of the Alhambra Shrine Widow’s Club, the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, Asebi Court No. 36 and the Chief John Ross Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Franklin Hickman and Hannah King Hickman, long time Chattanooga residents and Bradley County natives; and by her husband, Jack Alexander Keefe, of Chattanooga.

She is survived by her son, Michael Keefe and daughter-in-law, Bernice of Chattanooga; two daughters, Jane Keefe of Adairsville, Ga., and Christine Keefe of Chattanooga; three grandchildren, Heather Keefe Hicks, Michaela Keefe Scott, and Jay Keefe, all of Chattanooga; six great grandchildren: Michael Hicks, A.J. Hicks, Meagan Scott, Wrenn Scott, Caleb Keefe and Macon Keefe, all of Chattanooga; two step grandchildren, Julie Payne of Chattanooga and Gary Hicks of Cleveland, Tennessee; and four step great grandchildren, Christopher Payne, Garrett Payne and Hunter Payne, all of Chattanooga and Sarah Morrow of Cleveland, Tn.  As an only child, she is also survived by cherished cousins who were very special to her throughout life.

Beatrice was proud of her American Indian heritage descending from her great, great grandmother, “Caldonia,” of the Cherokee Nation’s Bird Clan.  A natural Chattanooga historian, she often charmed family and friends sharing little known facts about her beloved city.  Growing up in North Chattanooga she was especially fond of the “old” Market Street Bridge, over which she walked twice daily going to and from City High School.  She will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, at 1 p.m. at the East Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Bill Owens officiating. 

Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Keefe Plumbing Company. Interment will be in Falling Water Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the funeral home.

In memory of Beatrice, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga at 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416 or Falling Water Cumberland Presbyterian Church (FWCPC, Bridge Builders) at 6534 Old Dayton Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343. 

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37412.

Obituaries
Glendora Johnson
Glendora Johnson
  • 3/26/2024

Glendora V. Johnson, (aka. Mother, Nanny, Aunt Glen) was born on March 27, 1927, to the late Tom and Flora Smith in Bakewell, Tn. She was the youngest of nine children and was a graduate of Booker ... more

Ruth Teague Kolwyck
Ruth Teague Kolwyck
  • 3/26/2024

Ruth Teague Kolwyck, 86, of Chickamauga, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Born in Tate, Ga., Mrs. Kolwyck was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga and ... more

Marvin Kenneth Dedmon
Marvin Kenneth Dedmon
  • 3/26/2024

Marvin Kenneth Dedmon, 85, of East Ridge, passed away on March 26, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his family. Marvin was born in Ringgold, on Nov. 29, 1938 to the late Woodrow and Irene ... more