Jewel Hurley Keener

Jewel Burlene Hodge Hurley Keener, born July 9, 1933, passed away October 18, 2021 at the age of 88. Jewel was a native of Rutherfordton, NC, the youngest child of Lee and Minnie Pearl Wise Hodge. She was preceded in death by her first hu s band, Charles Lee Hurley, her second husband, James Keener, and her siblings: Lois Dellinger, Dods Owens, Clara Gallion, and Merritt Otho " Bud " Hodge. She left North Carolina soon after graduation from Rutherfordton-Spindale High School in 1951 to live with her sister, Clara, and brother-in-law SGM (ret.) Charles Gallion, USA, at Fort Bliss, TX, and inu11ediately fell in love with the southwest. It was here that she met Army 1st LT, Charles L. Hurley. They married in June, 1952, at Central Baptist Church in El Paso. Together, they raised a family of four: Edward Lee, John Samuel, Philip Wayne, and Susan Celeste Hurley Keller. Charles died in 1979 of complications due to "Lou Gehrig's" disease. She was his constant companion and help during this illness, and a source of abiding strength for her children. For the next 20 years, she remained alone, but enjoyed watching her family grow. Late in life, she met and married Chief MSgt (ret.) James Keener, USAF, and accepted as her own his daughter, Linda Barker, and her family. Jim passed away not long after they were married. Throughout the years she was a faithful member of Valley View Baptist Church, Loma Terrace Baptist Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, and Valley Baptist Church. She is survived by her four children, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great­ grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on November 3rd, presided over by Master Gunnery Sgt (ret.) Joe Serrano, USMC. "Precious, 0 Lord, in your sight, is the death of your saints."