Irene Keller-Smith

Irene Louise Keller-Smith was called home on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at age 74. She was born August 8, 1949, in Massachusetts. A lifelong resident of Roxbury, MA. Where people knew her for her spunk and charismatic personality. She was the first born to Warren H. and Bethel Keller of Massachusetts. She attended Haverhill High in Haverhill MA where she graduated and later attended Essex Community College which later resulted in her studying her love for music at the New England Conservatory of Music where she studied Classical Music. She later broadened her music further under the direction of Ann Farnsworth in Jazz. She loved to travel and showcase her talent of song. She absolutely loved meeting new people and trying foods of different nationalities. She grew up connected with the Lord where she was a member of the family church of Saint John’s Baptist church in Woburn MA. It was here that she lifted her voice, fellowshipped, and shared her love for the Lord. Irene also attended Morning Star Baptist church in Mattapan MA, where she again lifted her voice and fellowshipped. She participated in the women’s outreach program and ministered to the youth. She was a warm and welcoming soul that attracted people to her wherever she would go, from children to the elderly, for her voice was a calming after a storm. 

She worked for the Telephone Company for over 26 years and later retired only to work for the City of Boston as a Crossing guard. This was one of her other loves. The children and patrons walking by would speak to her in hope that she would sing a few notes for them, and they would listen with amazement. She loved making sure “her babies” as she would call them were always safe. If there was a second that she felt that they weren’t, that is when she would be in mommy mode, for no one could mess with her babies! It was her commitment to the Lord, the children, and the love for her family that kept her going. She wanted to stay here on earth until 110. However, our Father who art in heaven had a bigger plan for her.

Irene is survived by devoted relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. Surviving family are her mother (Bethel Keller), her three daughters Micleta Smith, Leontyne Smith and Maisha Smith, nine grandchildren Devona Allen (partner Piere Dubois), William Allen III, Shaiqwan Williams, Takayla Smith-Lofton, Brighton Smith-Lofton, Malik Rice, Myarri Smith-Knight, Anthony Smith-Knight, Malaysia Smith Knight and three great-grands, Elias Dubois, Paisly Dubois, and Bryson Bailey-Smith. She also survived by three caring sisters Bethal Brittle-Keller, Miriam Keller Perkins (Brother-in-Law Clarence Perkins), and Martha Keller. Her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and host cousins. And may long-time friends and family who took the time to brighten her days with phone calls and laughter. She will be remembered and loved for eternity.

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