Leona Keith, 84, of Georgetown, Illinois, passed peacefully from this world on July 29, 2026, leaving behind a family forever shaped by her love. Born on April 23, 1942, in the small mountain community of Anco, Kentucky, Leona carried the quiet strength of her Appalachian roots with her every day of her life.

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply "Double Lee Lee Lee Lee" — a name spoken with the particular tenderness that only belongs to someone truly irreplaceable. She was, without question, the best grandma and mother in the world, and those who knew her best would not argue the point for even a moment. Her greatest joy was a house overflowing with family, a cold Pepsi with ice, the sound of little voices filling every corner, and the peaceful glow of In the Heat of the Night playing on the television. If you spent enough time in her presence, chances are you heard her utter her signature words — "Shut up, Jay" — delivered with just enough affection to make it a term of endearment. She had a gift for making everyone feel at home, and a way of rocking even the most restless baby into the sweetest sleep. 

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, Abe and Rellie Estep, several brothers and sisters, beloved husband, Freeman Keith Sr.; her son, Freeman Keith Jr.; and her daughters, Bertha Lynn and Brenda Lee. She is survived by her devoted daughter Tammy (Jay) Pickett whose love and dedication through her final years were a testament to the family Leona raised. She is also survived by her only grandson, Mikey Grider, and her granddaughters Jayleen (Bob) Harrier, Kari (Steve) Tovey, Ashley Grider, Brittany Carson, Danielle Grider, and Traci Grider, along with a brother, Harold (Delma) Estep. With a cherished circle of great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild who will carry her memory forward.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 11AM-1PM at Vermilion Valley Vineyard Church i3733 Poolside Drive in Danville Illinois. Burial will follow at Songer Cemetery in Tilton Illinois.

She has now heard the words she spent a lifetime earning: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant — enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."