A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Rebecca K. Keller of calhoun county, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, born on June 15, 1939, Rebecca K. Keller came into this world the daughter of Haynes Edward Keller and Wilhelmenia Mack Keller of St. Matthews. The young Rebecca was educated in Calhoun County's public schools and was a proud 1957 graduate of John Ford High School. During her school years, this active and enthusiastic student participated in numerous organizations, including the Block Letter Club, Song of the Week Dramatic Club, Physical Education Club, Commercial Club, and Glee Club. Her peers, recognizing her outstanding character and talent, voted her Best Athlete and Best All-Around; and

 

Whereas, in June 1962, Rebecca married the love of her life, Franklin Keller Sr., the Lord blessing their union with a large family and sixty-three years of unwavering devotion to one another; and

 

Whereas, a woman of faith, Rebecca served as an active member of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in St. Matthews. Sister Keller served faithfully and efficiently in many capacities, including as the 2023 Midlands District Women's Missionary Society torchlighter, Grandparent of the Year, missionary president, steward, president of the Ebenezer AME Church Stewardess Board, church treasurer, church school superintendent and teacher, lay president, senior usher board member, pastor's aide board member, and member of the Ebenezer AME Church Senior Angelic Choir; and

 

Whereas, moreover, deeply rooted in her community, Rebecca remained active and engaged throughout her life as a true pioneer and community leader. She made history as the first African American elected to Calhoun County Council, where she faithfully served three consecutive four-year terms. Her commitment to justice and equality extended through her service as secretary of the Calhoun County NAACP branch, for which she worked alongside her husband, who served as president during the December 1976 School District Boycott Civil Rights Movement. Rebecca also dedicated more than forty-three years of service to the Calhoun County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, where she held the position of vice chairwoman from 2004 to 2021; and

 

Whereas, in addition to nurturing her family and supporting her church and community, Rebecca served over the years as an employee of Clemson Extension, Calhoun County Public Schools (teacher's aide), Pacific Home Fashions, and Devro Inc., the latter from which she retired; and

 

Whereas, Rebecca leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Franklin Keller Sr.; her devoted children, Sylvia King (Albert), Kayrn Fredrick (Tom), Wanda Douglas (James), Frances T. Keller, and Franklin Keller Jr. (Khaleah); sixteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and two godchildren; and a host of other dear family members and friends. Rebecca's legacy of faith, love, and leadership will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Rebecca K. Keller of Calhoun County, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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