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.
Valanta Harris sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Keith Bernard Leary - January 10, 2025
With Deepest Sympathy Helen Holmes, Valanta and Johnny Harris
Tiffany Perry sent The Peace Lily for Keith Bernard Leary - January 10, 2025
Sending our love and condolences to the Leary Family!
Bobby & Tiffany Perry
Deborah Martin sent Joyful Memory for Keith Bernard Leary - January 08, 2025
With cherished memories and heartfelt sympathy, you will be deeply missed. With love always, Debbie and Dolores.
Jammie Taire sent The Peace Lily for Keith Bernard Leary - January 08, 2025
Kerrigan, Kyla and Ronda: We are so saddened and sorry for your loss. Keith was such a gentle spirit and a light in this world. I know he will be missed. Love, Jammie & Raymund Taire
Gary Lewis sent Emerald Garden Basket for Keith Bernard Leary - January 07, 2025
Keith you will forever be in our hearts. The Lewis Family (Jiya, Nikki, and Gary)
Rest in peace, Mr. Larry. The loss of such a wonderful person leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him. His kindness, strength, and the positive impact he made will continue to inspire those he touched. He was more than just a friend or family member—he was a beacon of love and compassion, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered and cherished forever.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his loved ones find comfort in the memories of his laughter, his wisdom, and the countless moments of joy he shared. Though it is never easy to say goodbye, the love he gave to the world ensures he will never truly be gone. He lives on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the warmth he brought into our lives.
To those mourning his loss, may you find strength in one another, and may you hold onto the knowledge that he would want you to carry on with love, hope, and courage. If there is anything I can do to support you or if you wish to reflect on his incredible life, I am here. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone grieving the loss of such an extraordinary soul. 🙏
Rest in peace, Mr. Larry. The world has lost someone truly remarkable, and his memory will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have known him. His kindness, wisdom, and presence left a lasting impression that will resonate in the hearts of family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.
May his soul find eternal peace, and may his loved ones find the strength and courage to navigate through this challenging time. It's never easy to say goodbye, but the love and memories he leaves behind will continue to shine as a testament to his legacy.
During this time of grief, may those who mourn his passing find comfort in one another, sharing stories and celebrating the life of a truly incredible person. If you wish to honor his memory or simply need someone to listen, I'm here for you. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved Mr. Larry. 🙏
Rest in peace, Keith Bernard Larry. The world has lost someone truly special, and his memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his loved ones find strength and solace during this difficult time. It's never easy to say goodbye, but the impact he had on the lives of others will be a lasting legacy. If you would like to share memories of him or need support, please know that I'm here for you. My thoughts are with you and everyone mourning his loss. 🙏
My condolences to the family of Keith. Lan know that you, your sister, your neices and parents are in my prayers. I pray for strength and comfort from our Lord and savior. Please know that if it wasn't for the ice/snow road conditions, sporty black and myself would have been there to support you. Praying for you all. Veronica.
To Mr. Keith Leary's Mother: Please know how saddened I was, and still am, knowing that your son, a former student of mine at Albany State University, has passed. Much like parents and children, teachers also do not expect their students to pass on before them. And when the student was both as studious and respectful as your son was, it is more sad. Still, I fully know that my sorrow can never compare to yours. You, and all who might have helped, did an Excellent job raising Mr. Leary! What a loss to all of us! May he rest in peace, and may you, his Mother, and other family members, be comforted. Sincerely and Respectfully, (Prof.) Ryan Ikegwuonu,Esq. P.s. Also, please know that I would be attending his Homegoing services today, were it not for the rain, ice, and snow on the roads. And, I ordered your son's book, and it's due to arrive at my home today. His book is yet another part of his wonderful legacy. To God be the Glory!
Our condolences to the Leary family. Keith will truly be missed. We've been friends for a long time and I thank God for all the laughs and talks we shared. Rest in peace my friend. Monique Bryant and Family
Deepest sympathies. God bless you all with peace and comfort
Keith I love you. You were an awesome cousin to me. I was so proud of you. You made the family proud as well. We love you but God loves you best. Sleep well.
Love Tonya Brown and Family.
To my Sweet soft spoken handsome Cousin Keith, you were so encouraging every time we talked...Oh the Laughter and funny memories I will forever cherish. To your dear daughters he is still with you in your hearts and memories. God got you beautiful Ladies.
My Condolences to the family during this time of sorrow. Dr. Annette Mumphery, Cordele Ga
We love you cousin and you will be missed and to our family we love you all may our God give you comfort. Love Emma and Bobby
Our prayers go out to the entire Leary family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. With deepest sympathy, Minister Daryl and Sis. Rose Mary Hall Ashburn, Ga.
Wow.... it's hard to believe that you are gone. Keith was a smooth dresser and a fluent speaker. I pray that your soul Rest in Paradise 🙏🙏🙏 Sleep Well my friend
Sending love and prayers.
Dietrice C.
My prayers and condolences to Keith's family.
Robin W
Rest in Peace Keith you will not be forgotten.I will remember our middle school and high school days ❤️c/o86
Keith, you were a great brother-in-law. I will cherish our talks and the many times that we gathered for holidays and special occasions. You will be remembered for your kind heart and easy going personality. My heart is very, very sad but I know that you're in a better place. I will keep you in my heart forever ♥️.
Keith my friend rest on rest on..and may God's grace and mercy be on the family.. deepest sympathy-Creginald Sanders '86
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Leary's passing. We worked together last year at Archer HS. He was a kind, sweet man, and I know his students missed him. Prayers for his family.
Keith, we started off as friends at Albany State College (University) with both of us in Criminal Justice. Shortly after we met, I met your sister Calandra not knowing she was your sister. Once the connection was made, it made us family. Brother, you will be missed and are deeply loved. RIPower. Keep an eye on us. 💜
Kieth and I were best friends. Our friendship started when we both joined that band. Keith, I will miss our phone and text conversations how you were always encouraging me to keep fighting. I will keep fighting. I'm gonna miss you BFAM. You are truly a brother from another mother. With deepest sympathy
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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