Martha Elizabeth Keaton, loving mother and grandmother, 87, of Athens, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, at NHC Health Care of Athens.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Franklin and Louise Sherrill Grady, and was preceded in death on June 13, 1992 by her husband, the Rev. Leo F. Keaton, who had pastored several Baptist churches in McMinn County. She was also preceded in death by one son, Charles Wayne Keaton; one sister, Sara Dills; and one son-in-law, Roy Lee Carroll. She was a member of Mt. Verd Baptist Church, where she was active in the W.M.U. She was a former member of the McMinn County Senior Citizens and was formerly active with Meals on Wheels. She was a former employee of Rose\'s Department Store and Elmore\'s Department Store.

Survivors include one daughter, Peggy K. Carroll of Athens; one son, Kenneth Keaton of Riceville; 11 grandchildren, Scott Carroll, Todd Carroll, Robbie Carroll, Samantha Carroll, Melody Wagstaff, Ken Keaton, Julie McKeehan, Jennie Keaton, Brad Couch, Mike Keaton and Tim Keaton; 10 great-grandchildren, Cameron Keaton, Joy Keaton, Caitlin Keaton, Kelley Keaton, Lacey Keaton, Noah Wagstaff, Luke Carroll, Alex Couch, Ben Couch and Braden Couch; one great-great-grandchild, Cayden Keaton; and several nieces and nephews. She was also grandmother to 61 foster grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Donnie Dalton and Ken Keaton officiating. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Scott Carroll, Todd Carroll, Robbie Carroll, David McKeehan, Ken Lankford, Brad Couch, Mike Keaton and Tim Keaton. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Mt. Verd Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roy Carroll Memorial Foster Children\'s Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 220, LaVergne, TN 37806.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com