Obituary: Myrtle Barrow McKeel Heath

Mrs. Myrtle Barrow McKeel Heath, age 107, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, March 2nd, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Born January 6, 1918, she was one of eleven children born to the late Samuel and Nola Barrow. She was raised in the Shine Community of Greene County.

Following marriage to her first husband, Paul McKeel, Sr., they established their home in Lenoir County where she resided until declining health required her to move into a skilled care environment. She always maintained a deep relationship with family and friends, particularly those of the Fort Run and Free Gospel Church congregations. A consummate homemaker and talented cook, a good meal was always to be found at her home.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Paul McKeel, Sr. and Hinton Leonard Heath; a son, Paul McKeel, Jr; daughter, Margaret McKeel Albritton; sisters, Aylene Barrow, Bertha Mae Head, Joyce Taylor, Evangeline Naylor and Jean Newsome; and brothers, Hodges Barrow, Wiley Barrow, Desmond Barrow, Rayford “Buck” Barrow, and Ronald Wade Barrow.

Her surviving family includes her children, Dean McKeel Hall of Charlotte, Jerry McKeel and wife Annette of Stella, and Michael McKeel and wife Toni of Wilson; a daughter-in-law, Brenda McKeel of Kinston; grandchildren, Cindy Albritton Guthery (Paul), Paula Faye Davenport (Wade), Shannon King (Eric), Tracy Abbott (Fella), Jerry Moore (Melinda), Suzy Aldridge (Darren), Brandon McKeel (Ashley), Christopher McKeel (Abbie), and Nicholas McKeel (Jenna), 12 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Thursday, March 6th, at the chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Pastor Mike Parks officiating. Interment will follow at the Snow Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday in the hour prior to the service.

Flowers or welcome or memorials are encouraged to Free Gospel PFWB Church, 145 Free Gospel Road, Snow Hill, NC 285804 or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylor-tyson.com