Funeral services for the late Mr. Keith Bernard Leary, who departed this life on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Emmery Chapel AME Church in Ashburn, GA. Reverend Gilbert Weston will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Westview Cemetery in Ashburn, GA. Services may be viewed via Facebook Live on the Shipp’s Funeral Home Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site’s Home Page.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith Bernard Leary, a beloved father, brother, and friend, who left us on December 31, 2024 at the age of 56. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 31, 1968, in Ashburn, GA, Keith was the child of Evelyn Edmondson and Willie Charles Leary and the stepson of Samuel Edmondson. Growing up in Ashburn, he developed a deep love for his family, music, cars, and service.

Keith proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, embodying strength, discipline, and dedication. He also had a passion for fitness, often running in 5K races, which reflected his determination and zest for life.

Keith dedicated his professional life to Emory Healthcare, working as a Research Specialist, and later transitioned to teaching Language Arts to high school students. A tireless worker, he was known for his hard work, determination, kindness, and leadership. In addition to his career and athletic pursuits, Keith was also an accomplished writer, publishing a book titled This Time, which captured his reflective and creative spirit.

Beyond work and service, Keith was passionate about music, cars, cooking, and above all, his family and friends. He will be remembered as a kind-hearted, supportive, generous, and loving person. Keith was a pillar of strength and compassion, always ready with a helping hand or wise words of encouragement. To his family, he was a source of unconditional love and unwavering support, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void in their lives.

Keith is survived by his beloved daughters, Kerrigan Leary and Kyla Leary; his mother, Evelyn Edmondson; his father, Willie Charles Leary; his stepfather, Samuel Edmondson; his brothers, Charles Johnson, Terry (Janice) Edmomdson, David (Kamika) Edmondson; his sisters, Calandra Gamble and Tomicka Scott (Tony); his aunts and uncles, Louise Collier, Selena Byrd, Stephanie Odom (Lefloyd), Tabitha Powell (Xavier), Eloise Byrd, Katrana Byrd, Daisy Byrd, Nathaniel Holloman (Kia), Kelvin Holloman (Shimona), and Jerome Leary; his great-aunt, Carrie Spears; his nieces, nephews, and other loved ones who cherished him deeply.