Crystal Coates Keith was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world suddenly on March 9, 2023 at the age of 58. Crystal was born on Nov. 11, 1965 in Newport News, Virginia. Her battle with serious medical issues over the years showed her courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite pain, Crystal came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.

Crystal grew up surrounded by her large family and learned to be a devoted and loving woman, always giving her time to others, she incorporated that into motherhood and to being a wonderful wife of 37 years. There was no love deeper than what she had for her family. Crystal was also a compassionate animal advocate. She loved all of her fur babies and took so much delight in taking care of them. She enjoyed fishing with her husband, thrifting, doing puzzles, reading and watching crime shows on TV. She was the proud owner of Crystal’s Cafe in Gloucester Court House from 2003-2009. One of her greatest joys was to be called Nanny by her beloved grandsons whom she tried to spoil with her love. We will all remember her as a kind and generous soul, greatly missed but never forgotten.

Parents, John Coates and Bettie Coates; brother, Roger Coates preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Hugh O. Keith; children, Jessica Keith and Jaclyn Keith Watts; grandsons, Hugh Logan Smith and Landen Sturms; siblings, Carolyn Hicks, Wanda Fletcher, Virginia Savage and William Coates, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.