Janet (Belcher) McKeen

Janet Belcher McKeen

January 24, 1942 – May 20, 2022

Daughter of Judge Allison Vernon Belcher and Ludie Herring Belcher, Goldie Janet Belcher McKeen was born on January 24, 1942 in Columbus, Georgia.  Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Atlanta where her father served at Bell Bomber Plant during World War II.  The Belcher family then settled in LaGrange, Georgia where Janet spent the remainder of her childhood and adolescent years.

As an only child, Janet was an enthusiastic young reader devouring advanced books at an early age, which included her favorite novel, Gone With The Wind, at the age of 9.  She would also vividly describe visits to the Fox Theater with her mother while living in Atlanta during the 1940s.  Though she cultivated interests in books, writing, music, and movies, Janet was also a fun-loving child who adored her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who lived in Alabama. 

Janet attended LaGrange High School where she was on the school newspaper staff and was voted “Most Beautiful Girl” her senior year. She often spoke of her special group of friends and their times spent at Callaway Gardens and Pine Mountain. After graduation in 1959, Janet attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama and earned an B.A. in English and Sociology.  She was selected as a Class Beauty while at Huntingdon and was later presented at the Blue-Gray Colonels Ball.

Janet met Mike McKeen while attending Huntingdon, and the two were married in August of 1964. The couple settled in Montgomery, where Mike worked for his family’s business, McKeen & Wilson Sporting Goods. Three years later, their first son Kirk, was born; followed by Scott in 1971; and Kristin in 1975.  Janet was an active parent at Bear Elementary School and Cloverdale Junior High; served as a Board Member of the Southeast YMCA; was Ball Captain of Les Dames, and a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church.  She also volunteered her time for children with learning disabilities.   

“Wife and mother” characterize the next six decades of Janet’s life.  Setting her own interests aside, she dedicated her life to her husband, children, and later, her four beloved grandchildren.  Her beauty and charm described her physical presence, but her devotion, patience, and enduring love defined her.  We are reminded of enduring love in Psalms 136:26, “Give thanks to the God of Heaven, His love endures forever.” Janet’s life reflected her reverence and faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

After 60 years in Montgomery, Janet moved to Gainesville, Georgia where she lived out the remaining two years of her life just down the street from her daughter, Kristin.  Janet is survived by her children Kirk McKeen (Katie) of Montgomery; Scott McKeen (Alison) of Birmingham; Kristin Daniel (Brian) of Gainesville, GA; grandsons Sadler McKeen, Carson McKeen, Stuart Daniel; and granddaughter Callie Daniel.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

Graveside services will be held Thursday June 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. CST at the Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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