Constance (Connie) Lynn Keator, 70, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Riverside Hospital, Newport News, after a short battle with cancer. Born in Susquehanna, PA, on August 2, 1956, Connie was the daughter of the late Lucille Chatham Keator and A. Robert Keator.
Connie was a graduate of Warwick High School and the College of William and Mary. She had a long career in accounting and business, working for Spivey Rentals, Quadros & Associates, H&R Block, Deas Construction, and SignMedia, Inc. She was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church, serving as the Treasurer of the Preschool and Auditor of the Church’s finances. An almost-lifetime resident of Hilton Village (arriving at age 7), she served several terms on the Hilton Village Architectural Review Board, including Chair, and worked to maintain the Village’s architectural heritage. Connie’s involvement with her community continued through her work as a member of the
Hampton Roads Jaycees, serving as President, Director, District Director and Virginia Jaycees Life Member Association. Outside of the office, Connie achieved her pilot’s license and made at least one solo flight for the Annual Holly Run that brings holly and Christmas Trees to Tangier Island. She was the primary caregiver for her mom until her mother’s passing.
In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Allan Keator, her sister, Virginia (Ginger) Root and her niece, Jennifer Keator O’Neill. She is survived by her brother, Philip John Keator, sister-in-law Maggie Keator, brother-in-law Rev. Dr. Charles K. Root, four nieces (Geri, Elizabeth, Robin and Christine), 2 nephews (Charles and Justin), 5 great-nieces (Christina, Stella, Charissa, Sierra and Laura), 6 great-nephews (Ryan, Josh, Johnny, Austin, Michael and Charlie), 4 great-great nieces (Hailey, Adelynn, Carolina and Selena), 4 great-great nephews (Landon, Shane, Thomas, and Michael Jr.) and many cousins and friends.
Family and friends will gather at Grace United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 12:30pm for a visitation. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1:30pm followed by Internment at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 255 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666. After the burial, there will be a reception at Grace United Methodist Church Small Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Connie’s memory to the Peninsula ASPCA, Grace United Methodist Church, Newport News, or to a charity of one’s choice.