IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Nancy Garner

Nancy Garner Mckeithan Profile Photo

Mckeithan

d. Oct 1, 2025

NEWPORT NEWS

Obituary

Nancy Garner McKeithan, 84, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in South Carolina on October 21, 1940, Nancy lived a full and beautiful life defined by love, family, faith, and kindness.

Nancy was the daughter of Hugh Terrell Garner and Katherine Stockman. She grew up in a close-knit family that valued faith and community, and these values became the foundation of her life. She married Neill Alexander McKeithan, Jr. in a beautiful ceremony officiated by her uncle, Rev. Enoch Stockman, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Their marriage was a testament to lasting love, partnership, and shared devotion to their family.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Neill Alexander McKeithan, Jr.


She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who poured her heart into caring for those she loved. She is survived by her daughter Grae Bogle and son-in-law Rob Bogle; her son Alex McKeithan and daughter-in-law Catrina McKeithan; her grandchildren Angel Counts (James), AJ McKeithan, Kaleb McKeithan, Christian McKeithan, and Noah Bogle; and her great-grandchildren Gracie Counts, Neill McKeithan, and his sister Scarlett, who were her pride and joy. Nancy cherished every moment spent with her family and friends, and she especially loved the time she shared with her great-grandchildren, who brought light and laughter to her days.

Nancy had a long and accomplished career marked by dedication and hard work. She served as Head Cashier at Sears in Newport News, where she was responsible for managing the store's cash flow operations. She later worked as an Office Manager for American General in Newport News. After her retirement from American General, Nancy moved to Pulaski, Virginia, where she made her home for many years with her husband Neill, building lasting friendships and becoming a beloved member of the community. She later worked at Lowe's in Blacksburg, Virginia, as a Till Manager. In 2024, Nancy returned to Newport News to be closer to family after encountering health challenges, where she spent her remaining time surrounded by love and care.

In her leisure time, Nancy was a voracious reader who loved getting lost in a good book. She also found joy in cross stitching and knitting, creating beautiful handmade pieces that reflected her patience and creativity. Her projects often became treasured keepsakes for her family and friends; each stitch made with love. She looked forward to trips to the beach with her brother, sister, family, and friends. Nancy also had a deep love for her fur babies, who were constant companions and brought her comfort and joy throughout her life. She treasured spending time with her dear friend Pat, with whom she shared many wonderful Sundays after returning to Newport News.

Nancy had a deep appreciation for the beauty of diversity and harmony, reflected in one of her favorite poems, "If All the Trees Were Oaks." She believed that the differences among people made life richer and more meaningful—a value she lived by every day.

A memorial service for family and friends in the Hampton Roads area will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Newport News, Virginia.

A memorial service for her family and friends in the Pulaski County area will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia, for her interment.


The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Pulaski County Animal Shelter in memory of Nancy McKeithan. Donations may be made online at: https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Pulaski-County-Animal-Shelter .

Nancy will be remembered as a woman of quiet strength, unwavering love, and timeless grace. Her family finds comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Memorial Service

October
10

Friday

Starts at 6:00 pm

Memorial Service

October
17

Friday

Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery

5550 Bagging Plant Rd, Dublin, VA 24084

Starts at 3:00 pm

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