On February 18, 2020, Gearlean B. Keaton, 89, of Hampton, VA, crossed the chilly River Jordan to a place where every day is Sunday, and Sabbath shall have no end.

Gearlean was born September 7, 1930 in Waverly, VA to Wilbur and Martha Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Brenda Keaton; and siblings, Ernest Brown, Meade Brown, Dorothy Smith, and Clarence Brown.

Gearlean is survived by her husband of 59 years, James A. Keaton, Sr.; nine children: Patricia Keaton-Williams (Mack); Paula Somerville (Kenneth); Kathleen Thompson; James Keaton, Jr. (Lisa); Terre Keaton Stefanova (Ivelin); Carolyn Keaton Culp (DeWayne); Deborah Keaton; Dr. Tracy Keaton-Johnson (Aaron); and Jeffery Keaton (Evelyn); siblings: Dr. John H. Brown, Muzelle (Rose) Musgrove (Silas), James Brown (DeAnna), and William Brown (Dorothy); 20 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was blessed with many nieces and nephews.

Attending church all her life, Gearlean was known as a powerful Intercessory Prayer Warrior who greeted all with a hug, a smile, and the words, "God Bless You."  She served as a deaconess at her beloved church and led and taught many Bible study and Vacation Bible study courses over the years. She was an avid reader who read through the Bible many times. Gearlean loved collecting angels and gifting them to friends. She loved a family gathering, whether with 2 family members or 102. It did not matter to her; she was always ready.

Gearlean walked 1-3 miles a day in the early morning hours with her walking group for many years. She was always on board for a good road trip and always packed as if she was staying for months.

Gearlean was a seamstress who taught her girls how to sew and how to be an entrepreneur. During her child-raising years, she was the afterschool taxi service for her children and many of their friends. She cherished her children, her family, and Jesus and loved to grow flowers and vegetables.

Though a resident of Hampton, VA, Gearlean spent the final year of her life in the care of her daughter, Terre, in Dunn Loring, VA.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road, NE, Leesburg, VA 20176, where a service will be held at 12 p.m.  Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.