On April 19th 2023 Grady Horace Keziah left this world leading the way for his loving wife, Gloria Jane (Borel) Keziah, who followed him later that evening to make their home in heaven.  Grady was 74 at his passing and Gloria was 79.  Holding hands until the end was proof of a love so strong even death could not keep apart.  They loved to be surrounded by friends and family, amazing food, and great music. They were devoted to each other and family meant everything to them.  Often, Grady shared anecdotes and stories about the “old days” creating laughter while Jane cooked huge meals for everyone to enjoy. Her specialty was her made-from-scratch yeast rolls to which no written recipe exists. Grady and Jane were inseparable throughout their 40 years of marriage, rarely ever spending one night away from one another. Together they shared nine children believing there was no “step” in family.  Jane brought 6 children from her previous marriage, Grady brought 2, and they completed their family with one child from their marriage together.  From these 9 children they gained 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to these two souls joined as one.

Grady or “Buddy”, as he was known to his siblings, was the youngest of 7 kids born to Lonnie Clark Keziah, Sr. and Lula Mae Russell Keziah on October 12, 1948 in Indian Trail, NC. He graduated from Mainland High School of Daytona Beach, FL in 1965 then studied briefly at Daytona State College. He later toured the country on his Harley Davidson until he met a force to be reckoned with and sold his hog it to buy her a Lincoln Continental. Grady was a member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) by day, and music man by night. You could find him on stage in some of the best dive bars from southwest LA to eastern NC with bands of friends notably including “The Outlaws,” and most recently “Craven Hill Cats.”  Some of his favorite tunes were “Hey, Good Lookin’” and “Swingin’” as a means to both serenade and annoy his doting wife, even if she did swat at him in protest.  He was also known to break out in a chorus of “Bad Boys” to humorously de-escalate the occasional barroom brawl.

Jane was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on July 8, 1948 as the youngest child of Rawl Joseph Borel, Sr. and Anna Fay (Goodman) Borel.  They raised her and her 3 siblings on a farm on Opelousas Street.  She graduated from Marion High School in 1961, married, and dedicated her life to raising 6 children before returning to school attending McNeese State University. As a Catholic Daughters of America, she was an active member of the Catholic Church where she helped to organize many bake sales, carnivals and other church events.  Jane was an excellent seamstress making handmade clothing look like store-bought for herself, her husband, and her children. She lovingly created wedding dresses for her daughters as well. Needless to say, Jane was a creative and colorful person. You could always find her home filled with crafting materials, paints and lots of butterfly ornaments.  She loved cats and enjoyed the company of her most recent feline friend “Lightning”, who was by her side during her last days on earth.

Grady and Jane are preceded in death by his parents, siblings George Robert Adam Keziah, Eva Mae Keziah Wills, Johnny Clark Keziah, Katie Ruth Keziah Mauldin, Lonnie Clark Keziah, Jr., Shirley Ann Keziah; and her parents, siblings Joseph Spike Borel, Mary Ann (Borel) Guidry and their granddaughter Katlynn Carol Keziah, taken far too early in life. 

They are survived by brother-in-law Roger Mauldin, Brother, Joseph Daniel Borel and wife Penny and sister-in-law Mary Ann (Kohnke) Borel, their children: Robert James Chandler, Jr. and future daughter-in-law Carolyn Allison Reynolds, John Neil Chandler and daughter-in-law Jenny Lee, Karen Marie Chandler, Chantel Faye Chandler, Paul Brian Chandler, Suzanne Nicole Santiago and son-in-law Carlos Santiago, Mark Allen Keziah, Jason Clark Keziah, and Ryan Jay Keziah.

They have 18 grandchildren.  Robert Jr. and previous daughter-in-law Denise Louise Fontenot have 3 sons: Jared Rawl Chandler, Jacob Cole Chandler, and John Robert Chandler.  Karen has 2 sons: Michael Paul Sonnier and David Allen Sonnier. Chantel has 2 sons: Brandon Scott Danford and Joshua Stephen Danford.  Suzanne and son-in-law Carlos have one son: Cain Alexander; and one daughter: Charlize Marisol. Ryan has 3 daughters: Holden Ann Farabough, Rylynn Jane Kez;iah, Katlynn Carol Keziah. Mark has four sons: Christopher Lopez Pinto, Carlo Santos Cruz, Luis Cruz Santos, and Bryan Aguirre Santos; and one daughter: Karima Lois Keziah.  

They also have 9 great-grandchildren. Jared and wife Carrie Michelle have one son: John Rhys. Jacob and wife Kathleen Marguerite have one son: Beckham Cole and one daughter: Charlie Marguerite.  Joshua has one son: Koën Nikolai; and one daughter: Belle Lena Bernthal.  Michael and Victoria Lynn have 2 sons: Michael James and Elias John.  David and wife Lyndsey Elizabeth have one daughter: Grace Richelle.  

A private family memorial will take place for Grady and Jane at Indian Trails June 3, 2023 at the gravesite of their late granddaughter Katlynn Carol Keziah.

Grady, you were a man of great patience and love. You will be remembered as a warm-hearted, generous soul who greeted everyone with a smile, a joke, and a few songs that made you an instant friend. You were a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a friend, and the most huggable Paw Paw anyone could wish for. Your voice will continue to resonate through the pride and joy of your son Ryan and your grandson Brandon who follow your footsteps as a showman.

Jane, you were a warm place to call home, fierce advocate for your family, masterful seamstress, and a hard to beat cook with a quick wit and smile to light up the room. You lived your life without regret and made no apologies. Known as Jane, Mom, Mama, Nana Jane, Grandma Jane and, in your husband’s words “One Hot Mama”. You are as unforgettable as you were impossible to ignore.

Until we meet again, rest knowing you are loved and missed dearly.