Elizabeth Irene Exum Keen, 70 of Raleigh passed away Wednesday morning, December 10, 2014 at her home.

Born May 11, 1944 in Roanoke Rapids, NC, she was the daughter of the late Jonathan Exum and Mary O'Neal Exum. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers.

Liz is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, James E. Keen; daughters, Cindy Coley (Steve), Joyce Gregoire (James), Bonnie Baker (Steven); son, Kenneth Keen (Melissa); 18 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Liz retired from the Wake County School System after 27 years of hard work and dedication. She was a tough, caring, loving wife; mother, grandmother, and you always knew where you stood with her. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Flowers are welcome or donations can be made in memory of Liz to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Montlawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. A Visitation will be held 6-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Montlawn Funeral Home.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC.