Janel Keaton
Charlotte Janel Keaton, age 56, of Hardy, Virginia, was awakened by angels and ushered into the presence of Jesus at 2:48 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Janel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 17, 1968, the firstborn of Robert and Grace Keep, and had two younger brothers.
Janel grew up as a PK (pastor’s kid) and lived in several different states. She attended the Stoneboro Wesleyan Methodist Christian School in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania, where she graduated high school in 1986. She then attended Union Bible College in Westfield, Indiana.
While living in Indiana, Janel met the love of her life, Troy Keaton, and they were married in July of 1989. She was a devoted wife to Troy for 34 years and the two of them were an incredible duo and always up for an adventure. Though not one to be upfront, she was his faithful partner in ministry and had lifelong impact on people in all three congregations they served. Together, they founded EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia, where for the past eighteen years, Janel has been a vital part of the growth and success that the church has experienced.
Janel invested her life in raising her children and considers her two daughters and two sons as her greatest accomplishment in life. As a mother, she is best remembered by them as someone who was always available, always honest, and one who instilled in them a commitment to things that mattered most. She was most concerned about them loving and trusting Jesus, having a great work ethic, integrity, forgiveness, and always finishing what they started.
Janel was a fun and loving Mimi and could never get enough time with her grandkids. She was often found loving, cuddling, and playing with them. The grandkids always caused her to light up no matter how hard her day had been.
Janel loved life and lived each day to the full. She had a beautiful smile and didn’t sweat the small stuff. She was happy being in the outdoors, working in her flower beds, and had a special gift for interior design. Janel was an avid exerciser and until her cancer diagnosis worked diligently at having good health. She was an incredible host and her home was often the place where family gatherings were held. Throughout her life, Janel’s genuine faith inspired others and in her final months her story reached millions through her social media page, “Janel’s Journey”.
Most importantly, Janel was a devoted Christ follower and lived her life to please the Lord. She read the Bible faithfully and always with a heart to learn. Although Janel didn’t consider herself a singer, she was an enthusiastic worshipper! And even when not feeling well, you would often find her on a Sunday morning, front row left side, praising Jesus for who He was and all that He had done in her life.
Janel was preceded in death by her father, Robert Keep.
She is survived by her husband, Troy; her children, Natalie (Keith) Bryan, Allyson (Nathan) Gumbiner, TJ (Angeli) Keaton, and Trever (Autumn) Keaton; eight grandchildren; her mother, Grace Keep; her brothers, Tim (Becky) Keep and Dave (Julia) Keep; and a host of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
The family would like to thank all those who gave her such great care on her journey: Dr. Andrew Fintel and the team at Blue Ridge Cancer; the team at the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis and especially Betsy Fricklas, PA; her nurse, Maggie Farmer, from Gentle Shepherd Hospice; her cousin, Stephanie Greathouse, NP, who came by the house so often; and the host of other friends and family who enabled Janel to be cared for in the comfort of her own home.
An initial period of visitation for Janel will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, a second visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 4 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Keaton officiating. All events will be held at EastLake Community Church located at 1201 Timberwood Lane in Moneta, Virginia. She will be laid to rest privately at the Promised Land Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Janel Keaton scholarship fund at Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
