Alva Jean McClure Keener

Alva Jean McClure Keener, 92, passed away to her Eternal Home on Monday May 8, 2023, after a period of declining health. She was a native of Jackson County and the daughter of the late William Paul and Nettie Mull McClure.

She graduated from Sylva High School and went on to work at Balsam Mountain Inn for several years and then she worked at the Wellco Shoe Factory in Waynesville. Jean loved her family and especially the family reunions several times a year. She also loved Jesus, church, and Pastor and wife.  Jean was a prayer warrior and prayed for family, friends, and her church daily. She had been a member of the WMU organization for 75 years and taught GA's in her early years. She was an active member of Scotts Creek Baptist Church where she was an assistant Sunday School teacher for years until her health declined.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Lewis O. Keener; daughter, Donna Keener; sister, Elizabeth Stewart; and son-in-law, Jim Hage.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Debbie Keener Hage; sisters, Jane McClure of Sylva, Linda Kelly (Livingston) of Sylva, and Pauline Bryson of Asheville; six brothers; Steve McClure (Norma) of Sylva, Terry McClure of Georgia, Carroll McClure of Georgia, Bob McClure (Ruth Ann) of Clyde, Tom McClure (Dianne) of Sylva, and Bill McClure of Sylva. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 6:00PM - 8:00PM., Thursday evening, May 11th, at Appalachian Funeral Services. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00PM, Friday, May 12, 2023, at Scotts Creek Baptist Church. Rev. JD Grant and the Rev. Jack Roberts (nephew) officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens, Sylva NC.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Scotts Creek Baptist Church for the new sound system. Scotts Creek Baptist Church, 97 Steeple Rd., Sylva, NC 28779.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the Caregivers who helped us along the way.