Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Hattie Anne Wiseman Keller, 95, of Newland and Beech Mountain, N.C., passed away Friday, July 5, 2024. She was born December 6, 1928 in Carter County, Tenn., to the late Arthur and Zoda Wiseman.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Keller; one son, Jeffrey Keller; and three siblings, Joseph Wiseman, Margaret Wiseman Powell and Linda Sue Wiseman Rumbaugh.

She is survived by daughter, Cynthia Anne, and two grandsons, Joseph Blake and Bryan Aaron Keller.

Hattie was a studious youth, completing her education two years ahead of time. She began teaching at the age of 19, ultimately achieving her Master’s Degree from ETSU. She retired after 45 years, having taught in Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, and finally back to Florida, and having taught every grade from elementary through college. She loved children and loved her profession. Always kind, gentle, understanding and enthusiastic, she taught by example her entire life. 

She raised two children, Jeffrey and Cindy, and took in other family members at times over the years. She was thought of as a mother figure and mentor to numerous people. She delighted in being called Momma, Aunt and Grandma Hattie.

In recent years, she returned to Avery County, N.C., where she kept young by spending her time tending to plants, animals, young folks and family. Sometimes traveling, always reading and always growing, mentally and spiritually. A smarter, kinder, more patient, tolerant and humble person would be hard to find. Again, she taught by example her entire life.

Her funeral service will be held Saturday, July 13, at noon at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Newland. Visitation is at 11 a.m.; the service at noon. She will be placed to rest at 2 p.m. at Happy Valley Cemetery in Elizabethton, Tenn. Her charities are Fletcher Presbyterian Chapel in Newland, Crossnore Academy, and of course, any book store. And, please share your memories at www.rsfh.net

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Newland, N.C. (828) 733-2121.