Mrs. Jannie Mae Keith

With heartfelt sympathy, the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., and members of the Keith family announce the passing of Mrs. Jannie Mae Keith of Darlington, SC. Mrs. Keith transitioned peacefully the morning of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Heritage Nursing Home in Florence, SC.

The family will be receiving friends starting Friday, July 25, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the home of a daughter, Ms. Doretha Keith, 1306 Survival Dr, Darlington, SC. 

Public visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in the chapel of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., 612 S Main St, Darlington, SC. 

Last rites of the Order of Eastern Star, Beacon Light #230, will be held 6:00 PM, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in the chapel of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., 612 S Main St, Darlington, SC. 

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, July 28, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 113 N. Tanyard St, Timmonsville, SC.

Interment will follow in Hart No. 2 Cemetery, Timmonsville Hwy, Darlington, SC.

Obituary

     Mrs. Jannie Mae Rush Keith, 94, peacefully transitioned from her earthly home to her eternal heavenly rest on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Heritage Nursing Home in Florence, South Carolina.  She was born in Timmonsville, SC on October 31, 1930 the beloved daughter of the late Possum Rush and the late Queen Ester Nelson McClain.

    She was known by many affectionate names— “Jannie Mae,” “Aunt Sister,” “Lil Annie,” “Sister,” “Lil Aunt Sister,” “Cousin Sister,” “My Lil Ma,” “Bo,” “Mama,” “Grandma,” “Grannie,” and “Mother Keith”—she answered to all with love, grace and unwavering presence. No matter what name she was called, her heart and hands were always ready to serve.

    A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Keith often proclaimed her favorite phrase: “Praise the Lord.” Fittingly, those were the words she uttered as she departed this life. She was baptized at an early age and joined St. Mark Freewill Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for decades. Her roles included usher, missionary, member of the Pastor’s Aide Committee, senior choir singer, and more. She especially loved ensuring her grandchildren and neighborhood youth took part in Vacation Bible School, always making room so others could be included.

    Mrs. Keith extended her ministry beyond the church walls, participating in prison outreach and adult day care before her health declined. Her compassionate spirit also led her to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Bethea Baptist Home and later as a devoted caregiver to many in the community.

    Her hobbies included cooking, fishing, sewing, and crocheting- gifts she generously shared with those she loved. She was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star Beacon Light Chapter #230.

    She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Joseph Keith Sr.; her parents; four siblings: Mary, Viola, Willie and Hue Allen; three children: Patricia, Janie, and Joseph Jr.; two grandchildren: Ronald Jr. and Ferdinando; and her son-in-law, Willie Lee Samuel.

     Those left to cherish her precious memory are: two daughters: Doretha Keith Gandy and Jo Ann K. (Louis) Pugh; fifteen grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.

Mrs. Jannie Mae Rush Keith was a matriarch, a servant, and a shining light in her community. Her legacy of love, faith, and selfless service will live on in all who knew and loved her.

“Praise the Lord.”

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Jannie Mae Keith in your thoughts and prayers. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Jannie Mae Keith, please visit our floral store.