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 Widows 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, longtime Chattanooga residents and Bradley County natives; and by her husband, Jack Alexander Keefe, of Chattanooga. She is survived by her son, Michael (Bernice) Keefe 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, Tenn.; and four step-great-grandchildren, Christopher Payne, Garrett Payne and Hunter Payne, all of Chattanooga, and Sarah Morrow of Cleveland. 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 Nations 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 at 1 p.m Tuesday, July 7, 2015, 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, Tennessee 37412.