Cleta Keith gained her angel wings on July 27, 2022 at the age of 84. She was born on August 7, 1937 to Bert and Marie (Cook) Howard of Carrier Mills. Vance Knowles was her step-father and raised her with Marie. Cleta was strong willed and defied the odds from birth, weighing just two pounds. Cleta married Walter Jolly in 1954 and they shared three sons. She later met the love of her life and married Alvie (Jigsaw) Keith on April 28,1973. They were united for nearly forty years and shared one son together. On March 5, 1981 she received her CNA license from Southeastern Illinois College. She worked as a CNA at Harrisburg Manor for twenty five years and the Carrier Mills Nursing Home for twenty years. She loved caring for her residents and spending time with her family. She never met a stranger and loved talking to people. Cleta enjoyed shopping, conversing, reminiscing and sharing stories of her life, and indulging in her sweet tooth cravings. Her sharp mind and amazing memory made her the best storyteller. Cleta was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, neighbor, friend, and caretaker. Those who knew Cleta will remember her for being patient, loving, kind, hard-working, and generous. She will be incredibly missed by all who knew her, but we are blessed to know she is now in the arms of Jesus. In addition to her parents, Cleta was preceded in death by her husband, Alvie (Jigsaw) Keith; son, Stephen Jolly; infant son, Kevin Jolly; daughter-in-law, Laura Jolly; grandson, Matthew Jolly; best friend, Norma “Cookie” Wilkins; and her Shih Tzu and best pal of fifteen years, Lacy Jay. Cleta is survived by her two sons, Laren Jolly of Carrier Mills and Dion (Kim) Jolly of Carrier Mills; grandchildren, Joe (Jen Ellen) Jolly of Texas, Steven Jolly of Rosiclare, Jennifer Jolly of Murphysboro, Samantha (Issac) Craig of Stonefort, Trevor (Megan) Jolly of Ledford, and Taryn (Matt) Jolly of Carrier Mills; and several great-grandchildren whom she adored. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home in Carrier Mills from 11:00 A.M until 1:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. with the Reverend Jeff Owens officiating. Interment will be at Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills in her memory. There will be a celebration of life at the Carrier Mills Municipal Building following the services.