Virtual Memorial

Celebrating the Life of

Carlyle
Adell
Keller

Obituary

Carlyle Adell Keller

Carlyle Adell Keller was born on April 6, 1929 in Halifax County, Virginia to the late Jessie H. Poindexter and her mother, the late Jimmie Shipp Poindexter.  She was the fifth youngest of thirteen children born of this union (Lee O’Shell Poindexter Vanison, Mary Evelyn Poindexter Cohen, Arthur ‘Webb’ Truly, William ‘Billy’ Watkins McKinley, Giles Henry, Jesse Harris, Susie Geraldine Poindexter, Charlie Swanson, Clifton Seeshan, Katie Jean Poindexter Burns Davis, Wyatt McGillian, and David Ivory preceded her in death).  Carlyle had a wonderfully vibrant spirit and charming personality that lit up every room she entered.
Carlyle met the love of her life, Ernest Keller, who preceded her in death on May 18, 2015, and they were joined in marriage on June 17, 1950 in New York, New York and began their married life in Brooklyn, New York.  A year into their union, they had their first daughter, Ernestine Katrina “Tina,” who preceded her in death on July 11, 2015, and two years later, they welcomed a son, Ernest Frederick Jr.  Finally, in 1956, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Elaine Senora, who preceded her in death on September 15, 2012.
Carlyle was baptized at an early age and joined Sunflower Baptist Church in Nathalie, Virginia where she regularly attended worship services, Sunday school and sang in the choir.  Later in life, Carlyle was baptized in the Catholic faith on June 11, 1966 and received the sacrament of Confirmation on October 20, 1966.  Soon thereafter, Carlyle joined Sacred Heart Roman Catholic (R.C) Church in Cambria Heights, New York, and remained a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Parish until her death.  She knew and loved the Lord deeply.  For many years, she was a dedicated soprano in the Sacred Heart Gospel Choir of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church, which is where she could be found every Tuesday night for choir rehearsals and every Sunday morning for mass, praising the Lord through song. Carlyle was blessed with a beautifully unique voice.
Among her favorite pastimes, Carlyle enjoyed tending to her garden and the latest fashions, as both her garden and style were striking and always well-polished.  She also enjoyed traveling, especially taking trips with her daughters and nieces. In fact, she documented her first airline flight in July 1977.  Carlyle also found pleasure in the kitchen, and her warmth and love lived in her delicious baked goods, notably her apple pie and fruitcake.  As age and illness brought along its limitations, Carlyle continued to find joy in her favorite westerns, soap operas, and reality shows.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 6:17 p.m., at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, Carlyle was called home to be with the Lord. She leaves a legacy of love to: her son, Ernest Keller Jr.; daughter-in-law, Martha Keller; son-in-law, Willie Jesse Carr; granddaughters, Keturah Carr and Erica Keller; grandson, Ernest Keller II; goddaughter, Kyla Johnson; sisters-in-law Hattie McGriff and Louise Turner, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and dear friends. Carlyle also leaves to cherish fond memories: her family-friends/aides that have treated her like family and cared for her over the years, including Stephanie, Jessica, Barbara, Angie, Tasha, Gloria, and Audrey. In life, we loved her more, but God loved her best.

Carlyle attended Catawba Elementary School in Nathalie, Virginia and then continued on to Halifax Training School, later known as Mary M. Bethune High School, in Halifax County and graduated in 1947. Later that year, she moved to New York with her eldest sister, Lee O’Shell Vanison, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2017.
Carlyle adored children.  Once her own children were school age, Carlyle began working for the Board of Education as a lunch aide at Public School 274 in Bushwick, New York.  From 1969 through 1973, Carlyle served as an Educational Assistant where she aided teachers and students and began life-long friendships.  She later advanced into the position of paraprofessional at P.S. 274 as she pursued higher learning.  On January 4th, 1976, Carlyle received her Associates Degree in Arts from Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College.  After over 20 years of serving the children of the city of New York, Carlyle retired from the Board of Education on June 7, 1991.  However, Carlyle continued to pour her passion for childhood development into devoting all her attention into caring for her grandchildren.
Carlyle was also a member of the Stitches from the Heart Quilting Guild at Sacred Heart R.C. Church which she regularly attended every Saturday in the rectory basement until her health declined.  Through this organization, she developed a love for quilting and fostered lifelong friendships that she carried with her until she departed this earth.  Through the years, Carlyle, always known for putting her talents to great use, gifted several precious quilts to friends, family, and those in need.  She especially took great pride in making baby quilts whenever a friend or family member welcomed a new bundle of joy.
Carlyle was able to live in the home where she raised her children and grandchildren until her death. She loved Cambria Heights, and specifically, the 221st Street community, even serving as secretary on the 221st Street Block Association, and in the neighborhood-watch block patrol, much to the amusement of her grandchildren in the late ‘90s.

Obituary

Carlyle Adell Keller

Carlyle Adell Keller was born on April 6, 1929 in Halifax County, Virginia to the late Jessie H. Poindexter and her mother, the late Jimmie Shipp Poindexter.  She was the fifth youngest of thirteen children born of this union (Lee O’Shell Poindexter Vanison, Mary Evelyn Poindexter Cohen, Arthur ‘Webb’ Truly, William ‘Billy’ Watkins McKinley, Giles Henry, Jesse Harris, Susie Geraldine Poindexter, Charlie Swanson, Clifton Seeshan, Katie Jean Poindexter Burns Davis, Wyatt McGillian, and David Ivory preceded her in death).  Carlyle had a wonderfully vibrant spirit and charming personality that lit up every room she entered.
Carlyle attended Catawba Elementary School in Nathalie, Virginia and then continued on to Halifax Training School, later known as Mary M. Bethune High School, in Halifax County and graduated in 1947. Later that year, she moved to New York with her eldest sister, Lee O’Shell Vanison, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2017.
Carlyle met the love of her life, Ernest Keller, who preceded her in death on May 18, 2015, and they were joined in marriage on June 17, 1950 in New York, New York and began their married life in Brooklyn, New York.  A year into their union, they had their first daughter, Ernestine Katrina “Tina,” who preceded her in death on July 11, 2015, and two years later, they welcomed a son, Ernest Frederick Jr.  Finally, in 1956, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Elaine Senora, who preceded her in death on September 15, 2012.
Carlyle adored children.  Once her own children were school age, Carlyle began working for the Board of Education as a lunch aide at Public School 274 in Bushwick, New York.  From 1969 through 1973, Carlyle served as an Educational Assistant where she aided teachers and students and began life-long friendships.  She later advanced into the position of paraprofessional at P.S. 274 as she pursued higher learning.  On January 4th, 1976, Carlyle received her Associates Degree in Arts from Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College.  After over 20 years of serving the children of the city of New York, Carlyle retired from the Board of Education on June 7, 1991.  However, Carlyle continued to pour her passion for childhood development into devoting all her attention into caring for her grandchildren.
Carlyle was baptized at an early age and joined Sunflower Baptist Church in Nathalie, Virginia where she regularly attended worship services, Sunday school and sang in the choir.  Later in life, Carlyle was baptized in the Catholic faith on June 11, 1966 and received the sacrament of Confirmation on October 20, 1966.  Soon thereafter, Carlyle joined Sacred Heart Roman Catholic (R.C) Church in Cambria Heights, New York, and remained a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Parish until her death.  She knew and loved the Lord deeply.  For many years, she was a dedicated soprano in the Sacred Heart Gospel Choir of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church, which is where she could be found every Tuesday night for choir rehearsals and every Sunday morning for mass, praising the Lord through song. Carlyle was blessed with a beautifully unique voice.
Carlyle was also a member of the Stitches from the Heart Quilting Guild at Sacred Heart R.C. Church which she regularly attended every Saturday in the rectory basement until her health declined.  Through this organization, she developed a love for quilting and fostered lifelong friendships that she carried with her until she departed this earth.  Through the years, Carlyle, always known for putting her talents to great use, gifted several precious quilts to friends, family, and those in need.  She especially took great pride in making baby quilts whenever a friend or family member welcomed a new bundle of joy.
Among her favorite pastimes, Carlyle enjoyed tending to her garden and the latest fashions, as both her garden and style were striking and always well-polished.  She also enjoyed traveling, especially taking trips with her daughters and nieces. In fact, she documented her first airline flight in July 1977.  Carlyle also found pleasure in the kitchen, and her warmth and love lived in her delicious baked goods, notably her apple pie and fruitcake.  As age and illness brought along its limitations, Carlyle continued to find joy in her favorite westerns, soap operas, and reality shows. 
Carlyle was able to live in the home where she raised her children and grandchildren until her death. She loved Cambria Heights, and specifically, the 221st Street community, even serving as secretary on the 221st Street Block Association, and in the neighborhood-watch block patrol, much to the amusement of her grandchildren in the late ‘90s.
On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 6:17 p.m., at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, Carlyle was called home to be with the Lord.  She leaves a legacy of love to: her son, Ernest Keller Jr.; daughter-in-law, Martha Keller; son-in-law, Willie Jesse Carr; granddaughters, Keturah Carr and Erica Keller; grandson, Ernest Keller II; goddaughter, Kyla Johnson; sisters-in-law Hattie McGriff and Louise Turner, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and dear friends.  Carlyle also leaves to cherish fond memories: her family-friends/aides that have treated her like family and cared for her over the years, including Stephanie, Jessica, Barbara, Angie, Tasha, Gloria, and Audrey.  In life, we loved her more, but God loved her best.

Obituary

Carlyle Adell Keller

Carlyle Adell Keller was born on April 6, 1929 in Halifax County, Virginia to the late Jessie H. Poindexter and her mother, the late Jimmie Shipp Poindexter. She was the fifth youngest of thirteen children born of this union (Lee O’Shell Poindexter Vanison, Mary Evelyn Poindexter Cohen, Arthur ‘Webb’ Truly, William ‘Billy’ Watkins McKinley, Giles Henry, Jesse Harris, Susie Geraldine Poindexter, Charlie Swanson, Clifton Seeshan, Katie Jean Poindexter Burns Davis, Wyatt McGillian, and David Ivory preceded her in death). Carlyle had a wonderfully vibrant spirit and charming personality that lit up every room she entered. Carlyle attended Catawba Elementary School in Nathalie, Virginia and then continued on to Halifax Training School, later known as Mary M. Bethune High School, in Halifax County and graduated in 1947. Later that year, she moved to New York with her eldest sister, Lee O’Shell Vanison, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2017. Carlyle met the love of her life, Ernest Keller, who preceded her in death on May 18, 2015, and they were joined in marriage on June 17, 1950 in New York, New York and began their married life in Brooklyn, New York.

Carlyle was baptized at an early age and joined Sunflower Baptist Church in Nathalie, Virginia where she regularly attended worship services, Sunday school and sang in the choir. Later in life, Carlyle was baptized in the Catholic faith on June 11, 1966 and received the sacrament of Confirmation on October 20, 1966. Soon thereafter, Carlyle joined Sacred Heart Roman Catholic (R.C) Church in Cambria Heights, New York, and remained a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Parish until her death. She knew and loved the Lord deeply. For many years, she was a dedicated soprano in the Sacred Heart Gospel Choir of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church, which is where she could be found every Tuesday night for choir rehearsals and every Sunday morning for mass, praising the Lord through song. Carlyle was blessed with a beautifully unique voice. Carlyle was also a member of the Stitches from the Heart Quilting Guild at Sacred Heart R.C. Church which she regularly attended every Saturday in the rectory basement until her health declined. Through this organization, she developed a love for quilting and fostered lifelong friendships that she carried with her until she departed this earth. Through the years, Carlyle, always known for putting her talents to great use, gifted several precious quilts to friends, family, and those in need. She especially took great pride in making baby quilts whenever a friend or family member welcomed a new bundle of joy.

She leaves a legacy of love to: her son, Ernest Keller Jr.;
daughter-in-law, Martha Keller; son-in-law, Willie Jesse Carr; granddaughters, Keturah Carr and Erica
Keller; grandson, Ernest Keller II; god-daughter, Kyla Johnson; and a host of loving nieces, nephews,
cousins, neighbors, and dear friends. Carlyle also leaves to cherish fond memories: her
family-friends/aides that have treated her like family and cared for her over the years, including
Stephanie, Jessica, Barbara, Angie, Tasha, Gloria, and Audrey. In life, we loved her more, but God loved
her best.

 A year into their union, they had their first daughter, Ernestine Katrina “Tina,” who preceded her in death on July 11, 2015, and two years later, they welcomed a son, Ernest Frederick Jr. Finally, in 1956, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Elaine Senora, who preceded her in death on September 15, 2012. Carlyle adored children. Once her own children were school age, Carlyle began working for the Board of Education as a lunch aide at Public School 274 in Bushwick, New York. From 1969 through 1973, Carlyle served as an Educational Assistant where she aided teachers and students and began life-long friendships. She later advanced into the position of paraprofessional at P.S. 274 as she pursued higher learning. On January 4th, 1976, Carlyle received her Associates Degree in Arts from Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College. After over 20 years of serving the children of the city of New York, Carlyle retired from the Board of Education on June 7, 1991. However, Carlyle continued to pour her passion for childhood development into devoting all her attention into caring for her grandchildren.

Among her favorite pastimes, Carlyle enjoyed tending to her garden and the latest fashions, as both her garden and style were striking and always well-polished. She also enjoyed traveling, especially taking trips with her daughters and nieces. In fact, she documented her first airline flight in July 1977. Carlyle also found pleasure in the kitchen, and her warmth and love lived in her delicious baked goods, notably her apple pie and fruitcake. As age and illness brought along its limitations, Carlyle continued to find joy in her favorite westerns, soap operas, and reality shows. Carlyle was able to live in the home where she raised her children and grandchildren until her death. She loved Cambria Heights, and specifically, the 221st Street community, even serving as secretary on the 221st Street Board Association, and in the neighborhood-watch block patrol, much to the amusement of her grandchildren in the late ‘90s. On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 6:17 p.m., at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, Carlyle was called home to be with the Lord

Obituary

Carlyle Adell Keller

Carlyle Adell Keller was born on April 6, 1929 in Halifax County, Virginia to the late Jessie H. Poindexter and her mother, the late Jimmie Shipp Poindexter. She was the fifth youngest of thirteen children born of this union (Lee O’Shell Poindexter Vanison, Mary Evelyn Poindexter Cohen, Arthur ‘Webb’ Truly, William ‘Billy’ Watkins McKinley, Giles Henry, Jesse Harris, Susie Geraldine Poindexter, Charlie Swanson, Clifton Seeshan, Katie Jean Poindexter Burns Davis, Wyatt McGillian, and David Ivory preceded her in death). Carlyle had a wonderfully vibrant spirit and charming personality that lit up every room she entered. Carlyle attended Catawba Elementary School in Nathalie, Virginia and then continued on to Halifax Training School, later known as Mary M. Bethune High School, in Halifax County and graduated in 1947. Later that year, she moved to New York with her eldest sister, Lee O’Shell Vanison, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2017. Carlyle met the love of her life, Ernest Keller, who preceded her in death on May 18, 2015, and they were joined in marriage on June 17, 1950 in New York, New York and began their married life in Brooklyn, New York.

 A year into their union, they had their first daughter, Ernestine Katrina “Tina,” who preceded her in death on July 11, 2015, and two years later, they welcomed a son, Ernest Frederick Jr. Finally, in 1956, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Elaine Senora, who preceded her in death on September 15, 2012. Carlyle adored children. Once her own children were school age, Carlyle began working for the Board of Education as a lunch aide at Public School 274 in Bushwick, New York. From 1969 through 1973, Carlyle served as an Educational Assistant where she aided teachers and students and began life-long friendships. She later advanced into the position of paraprofessional at P.S. 274 as she pursued higher learning. On January 4th, 1976, Carlyle received her Associates Degree in Arts from Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College. After over 20 years of serving the children of the city of New York, Carlyle retired from the Board of Education on June 7, 1991. However, Carlyle continued to pour her passion for childhood development into devoting all her attention into caring for her grandchildren.

Carlyle was baptized at an early age and joined Sunflower Baptist Church in Nathalie, Virginia where she regularly attended worship services, Sunday school and sang in the choir. Later in life, Carlyle was baptized in the Catholic faith on June 11, 1966 and received the sacrament of Confirmation on October 20, 1966. Soon thereafter, Carlyle joined Sacred Heart Roman Catholic (R.C) Church in Cambria Heights, New York, and remained a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Parish until her death. She knew and loved the Lord deeply. For many years, she was a dedicated soprano in the Sacred Heart Gospel Choir of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church, which is where she could be found every Tuesday night for choir rehearsals and every Sunday morning for mass, praising the Lord through song. Carlyle was blessed with a beautifully unique voice. Carlyle was also a member of the Stitches from the Heart Quilting Guild at Sacred Heart R.C. Church which she regularly attended every Saturday in the rectory basement until her health declined. Through this organization, she developed a love for quilting and fostered lifelong friendships that she carried with her until she departed this earth. Through the years, Carlyle, always known for putting her talents to great use, gifted several precious quilts to friends, family, and those in need. She especially took great pride in making baby quilts whenever a friend or family member welcomed a new bundle of joy.

Among her favorite pastimes, Carlyle enjoyed tending to her garden and the latest fashions, as both her garden and style were striking and always well-polished. She also enjoyed traveling, especially taking trips with her daughters and nieces. In fact, she documented her first airline flight in July 1977. Carlyle also found pleasure in the kitchen, and her warmth and love lived in her delicious baked goods, notably her apple pie and fruitcake. As age and illness brought along its limitations, Carlyle continued to find joy in her favorite westerns, soap operas, and reality shows. Carlyle was able to live in the home where she raised her children and grandchildren until her death. She loved Cambria Heights, and specifically, the 221st Street community, even serving as secretary on the 221st Street Board Association, and in the neighborhood-watch block patrol, much to the amusement of her grandchildren in the late ‘90s. On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 6:17 p.m., at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, Carlyle was called home to be with the Lord

She leaves a legacy of love to: her son, Ernest Keller Jr.;
daughter-in-law, Martha Keller; son-in-law, Willie Jesse Carr; granddaughters, Keturah Carr and Erica
Keller; grandson, Ernest Keller II; god-daughter, Kyla Johnson; and a host of loving nieces, nephews,
cousins, neighbors, and dear friends. Carlyle also leaves to cherish fond memories: her
family-friends/aides that have treated her like family and cared for her over the years, including
Stephanie, Jessica, Barbara, Angie, Tasha, Gloria, and Audrey. In life, we loved her more, but God loved
her best.

Interment

Evergreen Cemetery
Brooklyn, New York
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.

Acknowledgment

There are those whose lives
Death cannot diminish.
Their love radiates forever
in the hearts of family
And friends.
We felt that love in
Your thoughtfulness.
Thank you so much.
The family of
Carlyle Keller

The family requests that in lieu of flowers or monetary donations, you donate some of your time to make
a phone call or send a letter to someone elderly. If you do not have a particular friend or family member
in mind, there are several local organizations with missions to alleviate social isolation among the elderly
and homebound and they are always looking for volunteers.

Unfortunately during COVID-19, we were all unable to gather in memory of Carlyle. We hope to gather next year for a funeral mass in her honor.  However, please join us virtually in honoring Carlyle’s memory via sharing a memory, tribute, story, or photograph on this memorial webpage created in her honor. Video of the intimate service and burial held for Carlyle can be viewed on the Photos/Videos page.

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