Julia Pearl Keene

Julia P. Keene age 96, a life long resident of Fort Myers. Julia was from a pioneer family who settled here in 1884 that would bring Thomas Edison’s pre-fab home to Fort Myers on their lumber schooner. Julia passed away on August 18, 2019, enduring a long time in pain and loss of physical strength. Prior to 2015 Julia could have been seen on her John Deere tractor mowing her 5 acres and the ditch on a regular basis. Julia was born to Anna Belle Barron and Arthur Belle Barron on August 1, 1923. Julia’s mother was the daughter of A.A. Maywald who settled here in 1884. Julia enjoyed sharing memories and good times with family when they would come to visit. Like the 16 room house that A.A. Maywald built that was located on MLK Jr Blvd. where Sarlo Power is now. The house had to be lifted up and squared off to face the street due to the new city survey. Thus being squared to the world they continued living there for many years, until being sold. Julia had a welcome-kids neighborhood birthday party when she was 6 years old and a 9 year old boy showed up, looked about, ate some cake, the atmosphere was mostly girlie, on his way home he stopped and thanked her for the cake and wished her a Happy Birthday. They later became sweethearts. In 1943 the now sailor had a 48 hour pass from a Ft. Lauderdale naval base, took a long bus ride to Ft. Myers. James “Lytle” Keene and Julia were married on April Fools Day. They were sweethearts for life and now together forever. Julia enjoyed working/being with children and was employed by Wilby’s Kindergarden for a number of years. This was prior to 4 and 5 year olds being admitted to public schools. Later she became employed as an assistant liberarian at Cypress Lake Middle school and continued to enjoy assisting students as well as teachers and staff. Julia was happy meeting with her Sunday school friends as well as being part of the prayer group. Julia was preceded in death by her loving husband James Lytle Keene and her son Marcus Lytle Keene. Julia is survived by her loving daughter, Valerie Strand and Grandson Warren Lytle Keene. Many Thanks to Hope Hospice for providing use of equipment to ease Mom’s pain as well as sending aides to help with her care, here at home and at Signature, they were always letting me know of any changes, getting Mom to church services, it’s not an easy job and I (Valerie) want them to know from Heaven on down to earth how thankful we are. A small memorial service will be held on Thursday September 12 at 2 pm at McGregor Baptist Church in the Hope Building Room H100. Due to weather there will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation in her name to any organization that they would like. Many thanks and God Bless.

Julia Pearl Keene

August 1, 1923 - August 18, 2019