Ms. Doris Ann McKeown

August 6, 1952 - April 14, 2020

Doris McKeown, 67, of Jonesboro, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14th at St. Bernard’s Hospital surrounded by her children and grandson after complications related to chronic health problems. Doris was born on August 6th, 1952 to Virginia White Shortnacy and Luther Shortnacy in Lepanto, Arkansas. She lived several places during her life including Michigan, Mississippi, and Wisconsin, but spent the majority of her life in Jonesboro, Arkansas where she raised her children. Doris raised 3 children: Paul Shortnacy of Jonesboro, Phillip (Angela) McKeown of Sun Prairie, WI, and Melissa (Neil) Modjewski of Weston, WI. She was so very proud of the adults her children have grown to become. As a single mother from a young age; Doris’s life was filled with trials, tribulations, setbacks, and challenges but she always provided food for her children and a roof over their heads. She created a loving home environment wherever they lived and welcomed many friends and family when they needed a place to stay. Doris was known for her hospitality and baking: especially her chocolate gravy and biscuits and all the Christmas cookies she baked with her children for friends and family every year! Many family and friends have fond memories of her love for music which she passed on to her children–she was always recording songs off the radio and making mix-tapes that she had organized. Her children will always remember waking up on the weekends to the oldies playing. Her love of music fueled her creative spirit. She was an avid writer (she had beautiful penmanship) and had a poem published while she was in college. In addition to poetry, Doris enjoyed writing short stories and dabbled with a memoir over the years. There were always arts and craft projects to be found around her house. She had a passion for creating art out of many different materials and lots of ModPodge. Amongst the art you could always find plants in her home as well—she had such a green thumb. She was always politically informed, enjoyed discussing current events, and had a heart for justice for all. Doris never met a stranger—with her “gift of gab” as her children called it—providing a listening ear and free advice. Her neighbors loved her and considered her family. She left an incredible mark on this earth and her memory and impact will live on in those whose lives were blessed to have crossed paths with hers. She will be missed by her children, Paul Shortnacy, Phillip (Angela) McKeown, Melissa (Neil) Modjewski, and Kevin (Charlene) Givens, grandchildren Colby Shortnacy, Kaden, Paxton, Payton, & Aria McKeown, Mason Hein, Megan, Emma, & Tyler Modjewski, Emma and Ella Givens, her siblings Phyllis Corbin of Jonesboro, Mary Lee of Little Rock, Stella Marsh of Wisner, NE, Robert Shortnacy of New Albany, MS, Bryan Shortnacy of New Albany, MS, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, great-niece Sydnee Allred, great-nephews Griffen Maddox Kregul and Alex Fields, and great cousins Jeff & Jared Bryant. 
The family would like to extend gratitude for the excellent care she received from the ICU physicians & staff at St. Bernard’s Hospital. Special thanks to Carmen & Chevy with Elite Home Care for their outstanding compassion and care for our mother. A Celebration of Life will be held at Craighead Forest Park at a future date due to Covid19. Family & friends will be notified once this date has been finalized. Tri-City LLC Crematory Funeral Home is honored and privileged to serve the family of Ms. Doris Ann McKeown. Online condolences can be left for the family at Tri-CityLLC.com .