Bessie Louise Keener, age 68 of Mannington, WV passed away Friday, July 11, 2025 at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. She was born July 21, 1956 in Berea, OH a daughter of the late Wesley Burle Williams and Nancy Leehooman Williams.
She is survived by her husband Paul Edward Keener of Mannington, her daughter Terri (Campbell ) Newbrough and husband Fred Newbrough ll of Richmond, VA, 8 grandchildren, Kathryn (Newbrough) Benson (Melvin Benson V) Roslyn, PA, Johnathan Newbrough and Kyelee Mead of Richmond, VA, Ryan Newbrough, Jason Newbrough, Mason Newbrough, Jackson Newbrough, all of Richmond, VA, and Nicole (Gray) Verser and husband George Verser, and her 5 great-grandchildren, Caius Verser and Clark Verser, Jennifer (Campbell) Mason-Mileto of Preston County, Tyler Campbell and Adam Gray both of Preston County.
Bessie is also survived by two step-daughters, Heather and Ted Heldreth of Rachel, WV, and Paula Keener and Ty Dodd of Mannington WV, her 5 siblings, Lillian and Douglass Freeman of Worthington, WV, Sherry Williams of Mannington, WV, Michael and Betty Jewel Williams of Mannington, WV, Felicia and Wayne Ramage of Rachel, WV, and David and Renee Williams of Parkersburg, WV, and several nieces, nephews, their spouses and great-nieces and great-nephews, and her first husband, Gary Campbell of Rymer, WV.
In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her son John Allen Campbell.
Bessie worked as a Health Care Aid, Veterinarian Tech, Groomer, Boarder, and Rescue Dog Foster Parent, and been retired for several years. She loved her husband, and family with an undeniable passion. Her life revolved around taking care of them. Bessie loved all animals and cared for them with all of her being. She loved a good stray and never turned away someone in need of help or love. Her hobbies included being a homemaker, quilter, gardening, grooming dogs, playing Bingo, rescue dog work and taking care of plants.
Bessie had a heart of gold and a quick whit and was unafraid to speak her mind and you always knew exactly where you stood with her! Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 2-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 beginning at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Viewpoint Cemetery in Rachel.
Condolences
It's hard to know what to say at a time like this but know I care and that you're in my thoughts and prayers. I've known Bessie all my life and we would run into each other at the grocery store and talk awhile. She was always a very kinder hearted lady. She will be missed by all who knew her. God Bless and keep you close. With deepest sympathy for your loss.
I truly loved working with Bessie when we had our own animal rescue, Hope For Paws.
Bessie taught me a lot about how to care for the strays.
It was a joy knowing her and learning from her.
I’m sure many 4 footed friends will miss her also. We love you, Bessie, and you will be missed.
I have worked with Bessie thru Hearts promise Sheltie Rescue for the last five years. I really enjoyed working with Bessie during this time. What a wonderful woman she was!! So dedicated for the care of her own dogs and the foster dogs as well. She was a very spunky lady and was always busy at home doing this and that. Not a lazy bone in this woman's body. Her passing was so unexpected. I will miss talking to her . WE became good friends. God only takes the good ones. Wish he would have let her stay a while longer. R I P my good friend. You will be missed.
My condolences to her family from my family 🙏