05/28/2026
Ms. Ella Burris Kee, 94 of 1719 Stony Point Rd. Shelby, NC passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby.
A beautiful life well lived came to a peaceful close on May 22, 2026. Mother Ella Burris Kee departed this earthly life surrounded by the love of family and friends. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and loving heart will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Ella Burris Kee was born on May 15, 1932, in York, South Carolina, to the late James and Rosie Ratchford Burris. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Ella dedicated her life to caring for others with kindness, wisdom, and compassion, always placing God and family first. She was known for her warm spirit, her nurturing heart, and her witty sense of humor that could brighten any room and bring laughter to those around her.
In her earlier years, Ella was employed with Burlington Industries. She later retired from Cleveland Pines Nursing Home after many years of faithful service and dedication. Her caring spirit and compassionate heart touched countless lives both on and off the job.
At an early age, Ella accepted Christ and joined Langrum Branch Baptist Church. She later united with Washington Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully served as a Deaconess, member of the Spiritual Jubilees Choir, and the Usher Board. Later in life, she became a devoted member of New Life Christian Church where she continued serving as a Deaconess and was lovingly known as the Mother of the Church. She truly loved her church family. Her life was a true reflection of faith, humility, and service.
Ella was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Mr. Nelious Kee, Jr.; daughter, Rosemary Young; two sons, Richard Lee Kee and Donald Eugene Kee; brothers, Lonnie Burris, James Burris, and Luther Burris; sisters, Isabelle Watson, Pearl Wilson, and Nellie Crockett; and several other beloved family members.
She leaves to cherish loving memories: her children, Nelson Kee (Tawanna) of Kings Mountain, North Carolina; Sandra Ramseur (Warren) of Shelby, North Carolina; Timothy Kee (Melissa) of Shelby, North Carolina; Maria Kee (fiancé Cameron) of Cherryville, North Carolina; daughter-in-law, Vickie Kee of Gastonia, North Carolina; her loving sisters, Gladys Webber of Shelby, North Carolina, Jessie Mae Ross (Joseph) of Gary, Indiana, Josie Burris of Gastonia, North Carolina, and Ida Sanders of Gastonia, North Carolina; special adopted son, James Glenn of Shelby, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Gloria Burris, Gladys Burris; two special friends, Christine Howell and Dorothy Williamson, both of Shelby, North Carolina; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, one great-great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her love and wisdom.
Mother Kee will always be remembered for her strength, her prayers, her warm smile, her loving guidance, and the joy she brought to others through her laughter and personality. Her legacy of faith, family, and perseverance will continue for generations to come.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at New Life Christian Church, Kings Mountain, NC. The reception of family and friends will be from 2:30 until 3 p.m. at the church.
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