Obituary of Paula Cornelia Keen

Paula Cornelia Keen was promoted to Glory on March 22, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Dallas A Keen and Jencie Sherouse (Young). She was a native Floridian hailing from multiple local Florida pioneer families, and very proud to call Myakka City her hometown. She graduated from Myakka City High School in 1941. She enjoyed many different experiences throughout her life, from working at Carlstrom Field during WWII, participating in the Ms. Florida beauty pageant, and hosting a radio show. She was a prolific writer of poetry and enjoyed sharing her love of poetry and the written word. She was also a regular contributor to local papers throughout the years. She was a family historian and published two genealogy books that encompassed several generations that are family treasures. She was a proud member of the Salvation Army for over 50 years and devoted much of her creative talents to the church and furthering the message of salvation. She had a sharp mind and a quick wit and a genuine “southern-lady” accent. She is cherished by her daughters: Sherry Hutchison Equi (Allen); Twila Hutchison Nipper (William); and Joy Brewer Butler (Charles); 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends made along the way. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Mathews, and her brother, David Keene. A viewing will be held Friday, March 25th from 6-8pm followed by a graveside service at Sardis Cemetery in Myakka City on March 26, at 11:00am.