Lois Thomas Keener

Lois Thomas Keener died peacefully on Monday, looking out at her beautiful garden and surrounded by loving family members. The complications of cancer finally claimed her, but not until her indomitable spirit snatched eighteen years of joyful life from the disease. Her 77 years were defined by her strength of character, her love of family, her art and her Seventh Day Adventist faith. Shortly before her death, Lois said that her proudest accomplishment was her four children. Lois saw to it that their needs were met, they were well educated and that they appreciated the beauty of life. Lois was an exceptional artist. She was an illustrator at the old Miller?s Department Store and an illustrator and art director at Charles Tombras Advertising until she retired in 1990. Her hooked rugs and quilts are cherished by family members and the few special friends privileged to have them. For years she demonstrated rug hooking at the Dogwood Arts Festival, and remained active with her rug hooking group until near the end of her life. Lois was also an avid gardener, and the back yard of her home is a showplace. It is fitting ? and a comfort to those who love her ? that her last moments were spent enjoying her garden?s beauty. Lois was born on May 3, 1928, graduated from Central High School in 1946, and lived in Knoxville almost all of her life. Her parents were Joel Raymond Thomas and Lucile Robertson Thomas. Lois is survived by her children, their spouses and grandchildren: Wylie Scothern (Scott) Keener III, his wife Elaine and their children Marissa Louise Keener and Alicia Laurel Keener; Margaret Lyday and her son William Rich Lyday; Joel Keener; and Mary Keener and her husband Dick Harrison. Funeral service 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 27, at Berry Chapel with Pastor Richard Greve officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wellness Community. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 26, at Berry Funeral Home on Chapman Highway.