Mary Beth Kurti Keen

Mary Beth Kurti Keen was born August 22, 1946. Her hometown was Beaumont, Texas. She passed away during the night of October 16, 2019 at the age of 73. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bessie Kurti, father Joe Kurti and younger sister Jo Louise.Mary Beth is survived by her husband of 51 years, James Lawrence (Larry) Keen, her daughter, Erin R. Keen, her son Alan Jamison Keen, daughter-in-law April Lauren Keen and their two grandchildren, Ellsie and Elin.Her early Christian life was nurtured at South Park Baptist Church in Beaumont (as well as Larrys) where she was fully involved as a natural leader among her youth peers. She was very accomplished musically with an excellent alto voice and mastered several instruments including piano, flute and autoharp. She was a member of both the youth and adult choirs, frequently organizing and leading groups in musical specials. She played the flute in the South Park High School and Lamar University bands and was drum major her senior year at South Park High School.Although everyone recognized and benefited from her natural Type-A personality, those of us in her life for a long time know she came by it honestly from her wonderful mother, Bessie.Her education accomplishments include a Masters Degree in Education Administration, Principals License, at the University of Colorado Denver. Also, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Music Education at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.Her career in education spanned over 30 years including 5th through 8th grade teacher and administrator roles, and covered much of the country with stints in Denver, California, Georgia and finally again in Colorado where she successfully handled the challenging roles of Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Bear Creek K-8 School. Mary Beth and Larry retired after the school year in 2014 and moved to North Carolina to be closer to Alan and Erin. Since 2016, they have lived in Raeford, NC, and assumed their loving grandparent duties as assigned. We are certain that heaven is already benefiting from Mary Beths ringleader talents. We know we will miss them here.The family requests that In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to this non-profit organization supported full time by Mary Beths brother-in-law, Robert Keen:GC3 Recovery Ranch23850 Kerr Mansion RdPoteau, Oklahoma 74953

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