Joann Carwile Keith

Funeral Services for Joann Carwile Keith, 85, of Jefferson, Texas will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2:00pm at New Prospect Baptist Church of Jefferson with Bro. Jimmy Jones and Bro. John Givens officiating and under the direction of Haggard Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow at New Prospect Cemetery in Jefferson. A time of visitation will be held an hour prior to the service from 1-2pm at New Prospect Baptist Church.

Joann was born June 27, 1940 in Linden, Texas to William Newton Carwile and Ada B. Hicks Carwile, and passed away November 17, 2025 in Marshall. She was preceded in death by her husband R. J. Keith, Jr., her parents William and Ada B. Carwile, and her sisters Louise Lummus and Pansy Parpart. 

She grew up on her parents’ farm in the Almira community north of Linden and graduated from Linden High School in 1958. After graduation she married her husband of 60+ years, Robert Jewel “R.J.” Keith Jr.

R.J. & Joann made Jefferson home for their entire marriage. Joann always kept her "Tiger pride," but for the benefit of her family she became a proud fan of the Bulldogs or whatever team her kids and grandkids were a part of. She had fond memories of her childhood friends and enjoyed catching up on how things were going in Linden.  

Joann worked at numerous jobs over the years including several years at J.B. White Company. She enjoyed visiting with the customers and discovered she was a natural salesperson. However, she was most dedicated to being a homemaker, wife and mother. She loved her family dearly and devoted her time and energy to them. She taught her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends many important life lessons.

Joann had an outgoing personality and enjoyed meeting and talking to new people. It is fair to say she never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Both she and R.J. enjoyed traveling and seeing new things.  In recent years, she became a huge Texas Rangers fan and watched each game to completion, even when they “went to the bullpen” as she liked to say.  She particularly enjoyed fishing, playing cards, dominos, 42 and most any kind of game. She had a competitive nature and would always play to win, even against the kids and grandkids. She cared about the community greatly and looked forward to daily phone calls with her close friends and family. She accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age and was a longtime member of New Prospect Baptist Church of Jefferson.

Joann is survived by son, Rodney Keith of Jefferson; son, Randy Keith of Jefferson; son, Kyle Keith and wife Pam of Longview;  grandchildren, Joshua Keith and wife Kayce; Courtney Keith Hallonquist and husband Justin; Kade Keith and wife Brooke; great grandchildren Kennedi Keith, Quinn Keith, Grey Keith, Jon Cutter Hallonquist, Jaci Hallonquist; special sister-in-law Mary Keith and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include: Rodney Keith, Randy Keith, Kyle Keith, Joshua Keith, Courtney Keith Hallonquist and Kade Keith

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