Darnell Keeter Obituary

ENFIELD, NC - Darnell Taylor Keeter, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Enfield community, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, at the age of 74. Born on March 12, 1951, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, she spent her life dedicated to family, friends, and her beloved hometown of Enfield.
After graduating from Enfield High School in 1970, Darnell found joy and purpose in her work and community service. Her career began as a clerk at Whitehead Drugstore in Enfield, followed by a role as a receptionist at Dr. Charlotte High Optometry, also in Enfield. She shared her love of knowledge as a librarian at Enfield Academy for several years before becoming an associate at Sister Act of Enfield where she worked for her very close and dear friend Jan Wood. Following this Darnell served as an administrative assistant at the Enfield Police Department, where she also enjoyed assisting with the senior citizen programs sponsored by the Police Department.
Darnell's life was a testament to her love for family and community. She found immense joy in helping children at school, which was only surpassed by the love she had for her own children and grandchildren, whom she adored and cherished deeply. She was a steadfast supporter of local fire, EMS, and police services. Darnell attended Enfield Baptist Church. Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her.
Darnell was preceded in death by her father, Jesse O. Taylor; mother, Ethel Shealy; stepfather, Erby Ray Shealy; stepbrother David Shealy; stepsister, Betty Roberts; and her favorite pup friend, Heidi. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.
She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly fifty-five years, Balfour "Buck" Keeter, Jr.; her loving sons, David Keeter and wife Karen of Enfield, Jesse Keeter and life partner Michelle Lake of Tarboro, and Jason Keeter and wife Jessica of Enfield; as well as her mother-in-law Mary Keeter. Her grandchildren, Trey Hasty of Orlando, FL, Zachery Keeter of Bailey, NC, as well as Kathryn Keeter, Claire Keeter, Taylor Keeter, and Landon Keeter, all of Enfield, NC, will forever carry her memory in their hearts. She is also survived by her brother, Darrell Taylor, and his wife Wendy of Ringgold, GA; stepsister, Brenda Shealy of Columbia, SC; and a very special extended family member that she was a mother to, Shannon McCollum and husband, Scott of Garner, NC. Many extended family members and close friends will forever remember Darnell and her kindness.
Due to a family health situation, a Memorial Service for Darnell will be held at a later date, which will be announced when determined.
Memorial donations in Darnell's memory may be made directly to the Enfield Fire Department, 12719 NC-481, Enfield, NC 27823 or online by clicking here: or directly to Enfield Baptist Church, 200 W. Burnette Ave, Enfield, NC 27823 or online by clicking here.
Garrett-Sykes - Letchworth Chapel in Scotland Neck, NC is honored to assist the Keeter family with the arrangements for Darnell. Online condolences may be directed to the family at garrettsykesfs.com.
Darnell Keeter's gentle spirit and unwavering devotion to her family and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know her. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darnell Taylor Keeter, please visit our floral store.To make a memorial donation, please visit the donations section of this obituary.