Obituary

Ann Nell Keating Cooksey

July 18, 1947 - January 11, 2026

Ann Nell Keating Cooksey, age 78, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. She was born on July 18, 1947, to Howard and Guyzell Phelps.

Nell was a woman of deep faith who loved the Lord with all her heart. Her life was guided by her love for Jesus, and she found great joy in singing and playing music as an expression of her faith. Through song and praise, she shared comfort, encouragement, and hope with those around her. Music was one of her greatest gifts, and it remained a source of joy throughout her life.

“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” — Psalm 104:33

She was preceded in death by her parents; her spouses, Bobby J. Keating and L.J. Cooksey; and Adolphus Warren. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Windell R. Keating and George G. Keating, and her grandson, G. Daniel Keating. Additional preceding family members include her siblings and in-laws: Gene (Jimmie Nell) Phelps, Edward (Kathleen) Phelps, Bobby (Donna) Phelps, David Phelps, Dorothy McGehee, brother-in-law Russell Winder, and sister-in-law Linda Phelps.

Nell is survived by her son, B. Darrell Keating (Melissa); daughters, Rebecca Keating (Mike) and Melissa Creel; and daughter-in-law, Beth Keating. She was a devoted grandmother to Kelly (Tyran) Cotton, Ashley (Russell) Cowart, Kindell (Amber) Keating, DaKota Lott, Kory (Mia) Lott, Tiffanny (Joey) Millien, Brett (Rachel) Creel, Destiny Daughtery, and Cheyenne Keating, and a proud great-grandmother to 15 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings: sisters Maxine Creel and Wilda Rester; brother Ray (Ann) Phelps; and sister-in-law Gail Phelps.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and again on Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Wesley Quave and Rev. Jeremy Newman officiating. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery.