Keela S. Joels

Keela Sharee Joels was born on September 27, 1993 in Harlem Hospital. She was raised in Troy, New York by her late mother Anna Joels who adopted her into the family with tremendous love. She graduated from Catholic Central High School in 2011, then attended Hudson Valley Community College where she received an Associate Degree in Science and graduated with Academic Honors. Keela furthered her education by attending her late Aunt Linda Vanier's alma mater, The College of Saint Rose, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree.

Keela's employment history was rooted in patient care and service. She worked at the Center for Disability Services as a Teacher's Assistant. She also worked at Albany Medical Center for years as a Health Unit Coordinator. Most recently, Keela worked at Samaritan Hospital in the Emergency Room. She really enjoyed her roles in patient care and loved meeting new people.

In her last years, Keela really came in to her own - she lived her "Best Life". She enjoyed shopping and going out with friends. She also took her dream trip to Jamaica to celebrate and reconnect with her heritage. On that trip she took in all that Jamaica had to offer and had an amazing time.

Keela was loved by everyone she encountered. She had this undeniable light and energy that people were drawn to. Keela enjoyed making new friends. She had a way of making people feel safe and comfortable.

Keela loved her family and had special relationships with all of them. She united her generation of cousins and was always available to those who needed her. Aside from God, nothing was more important to her than family.

Keela was predeceased by her brother Tyrone Jackson, her sister Rachelle (Jackson) Chapman, her uncles Lewis Joels, Johnny Rowe, Darwin Joels, her cousins, Ka'maija Jackson, William Rowe (Billy), Sally Rowe, Joseph Rowe (BJ).

Keela leaves to celebrate her life, her niece Kassandra Chapman and children (Keymanie, Josiah, Jumiera and Nikoli); her aunts, Guilana Joels (Julie), Krista Joels, J. Esther Rowe (Jeannette); her uncles, Calvin (Sandra) Rowe, William Rowe (Butch); her cousins, Crystal Jackson, Travon T. Jackson, Blessing Jackson, Celese Joels, Zeb Jackson, Zeke Jackson, Lakee Miner, Lewis Joels (Pudgie), Kyle Joels, Danny Joels, Guilana Joels-McBain (Jill), Sidra McBain, Jonah Joels, Joelene Rowe, Johnny Rowe, Keith Rowe, her Godmother, Barbara Robertson, Shierra Harrington, Cheryl Robertson, Jovanny Merritt, close friend Caleb Tremblay, and Samaritan ER work family. There are also a host of cousins, friends and extended family.