"Queen Bee's Story"

Barbara Gayle Keels-Smith, joined her Savior on Apr 10 2023.  She was born in Manning, SC. on September 21, 1958 to Audrey (Buskie) and Herbert Keels.  Barbara grew up and went to school in Manning graduating from Manning High School in 1976.  While there she participated in the Chorus and Music Lovers Club.  Growing up she attended Trinity AME also in Manning where she served in the Choir, Junior Missionaries, and youth skits.  She also was part of Young NAACP and represented Trinity at a Youth Conference in Washington, D.C.

After graduation she moved to Prince George's County Md with her sister Audrey.  She worked in Iverson Mall and that is where she met a young Airman who would become her life partner for the next 46 years.  Initially she lived with her in-laws outside Chester Pa.  She then returned to PG county where she lived for the next 8 years while her husband was stationed at Andrews AFB.  It was there that they added to their family; Renald in 1978 and Shamica in 1980.  She also began her service in the Civil Service after graduating from Comprehensive Employment and Training Program.  She initially worked for the Security Exchange Commission.

She then relocated with the family to San Antonio, Tx.  While there she worked at Kelly AFB where she worked in the department responsible for retrofitting the B-52 for Cruise Missiles while being heavily involved in her children's sports activities.  She then relocated to Tokyo Japan where she worked for the 374 ^th Airlift Commander at Yokota AB.  While in Japan she traveled to Guam, Korea, Okinawa, and Hawaii where she always found time for shopping.  Her last duty assignment was in Oklahoma.  While at Tinker AFB she worked for the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.  It was while living here that both children graduated from Midwest City High School.

After Ron ended his AF career Barbara now had the choice of where to live and she chose the Hampton Roads area.  Now empty nesters as Shamica was at Penn State and Renald was in the Air Force.  They lived in Hampton for 2 years before building their current house in Smithfield  After a short period of time Barbara was back at work as a Term employee for multiple units and services; first on Langley AFB in Air Combat Command (ACC) Weather followed by ACC Security Forces.  Then she continued at Fort Eustis working for Surface Distribution and Deployment Command.  She then landed at back on Langley at Headquarters ACC Air Force Engineering and Technical Services (AFETS).  She completed her 40 years of service while at AFETS where she became to be known as Mother AFETS.  During her career she won numerous awards such as Volunteer of the Year, Civilian of the Quarter as well Civilian of the Year.

In 2000 she started attending Langley AFB Gospel service and has attended ever since while serving in on the Usher Board, Choir, Drama Guild and Praise Dance Team.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and Aunt. She also loved entertaining and hosted many events at her home.  She also organized a Group of ladies who celebrated their birthdays by going to lunch.  They also had an annual Christmas get together which of course she did the planning.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and Herbert Keels; a brother, Herbert Jr; 3 sisters: Mirdle, Alice, and Audrey. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 45 years; her son, Renald and daughter, Shamica. One brother, James; and 3 sisters Joyce, Janice and Laverne. 4 grandchildren Jordan, Victor Jr, Joelle, and Vincent. Son-in-law Victor, Sister-in-law Patricia and Brother–in-law Lee

Viewing will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th St. Newport Nes, VA. 23607. A funeral service will be held 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Bethel Manor Church, 1793 First Street, Hampton,VA. The Interment will follow in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk,VA.