Verla Mae Keele, 85, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 11:15 p.m. on August 6, 2026, at Stonebridge Memory Care in Mount Vernon. She was born May 2, 1941, in Hamilton County, Illinois, to the late Ralph Leslie Hampton and Vada Pauline (Ray) Gross.
Verla is survived by her former husband, Jerry Keele and their children, Paula (Diane) Keele and Todd (Robin) Keele; grandchildren, Candace (Andrew) Meyers, Joshua (Sabrina) Keele, Emma (Grant) Cross, and Karsyn (Dakota) Keele-Routh; great-grandchildren, Kaleb Keele, Kayden Keele, Jaxon Meyers, Carter Meyers, and Cypress Cross; dear friend, Alan Miller, who has been a great blessing to Verla and her family while in memory care; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Verla was preceded in death by her sisters, Patricia Hampton and Davita “Dee Dee” Head; and longtime companion, C.E. Cooper.
Verla was passionate about taking care of everyone else, including students, and giving to others through Angels on Assignment. She will be deeply missed.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 pm with Mr. Jason Webb officiating. Interment will follow at Harmony Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Memorials may be made in Verla’s honor to Harmony Cemetery or Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
