Wilhelmenia Keith

Wilhelmenia Roach Keith, the fifth child of ten children of the late Willie and Matilda Prioleau Roach, was born November 13, 1922, in Sumter, South Carolina. Wilhelmenia, affectionately known as “Shorty” by family and friends, accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at the High Hills A.M.E. Church, Dalzell, South Carolina. She married Edward “Kooda” Keith on April 6, 1943, in Sumter, South Carolina. Upon relocating to Steelton, PA, she united in Christian fellowship with the Beulah Baptist Church in 1956 and was the oldest living member. Wilhelmenia retired with 31 years of service from the former Harrisburg Hospital. “Shorty” enjoyed reading the Bible noting her two favorite scriptures, Psalm 23 and Psalm 27. Her favorite hymn was “Precious Lord.” She was kindhearted, calling everyone “Sweetie.” She didn’t say a lot, but what she said meant a lot. She also loved traveling back home to South Carolina on many occasions. She was well known for two of her dishes, Hoppin John (black-eyed peas and rice) and sweet potato pies. As recent as July 2024, she cooked a complete dinner for the family to enjoy. She enjoyed many television shows including but not limited to Wild Kingdom, Young & the Restless, Bold & Beautiful, the Golf Channel and following Tiger Woods tournaments. She also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. Wilhelmenia was preceded in death by her husband, Edward “Kooda” Keith; six sisters, four brothers, and one granddaughter, Yolanda Michelle Roach. In the quietness of the night, Wilhelmenia peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 101 years of age. She leaves to cherish precious memories, a loving daughter, Janie (Anthony) Phillips; devoted son, Beauregard (Catherine) Roach; six grandchildren, Shawn Mosley, Keith (Christine) Phillips, Vernon (Karina) Roach, Reginald (Kymberli) Roach, Terria (Matthew) Soubik, and Anthony Phillips; 15 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Janie Gayle of Hampton, Virginia; a host of loving and devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; and devoted and caring caregivers, Clarence Roach (nephew), Faye Bush, and Michael Forney (neighbor). FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

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Wilhelmenia Keith

November 13, 1922 - October 29, 2024