Keturah Ogletree

Celebrating the Life of Keturah Ann Birchfield Ogletree: An Earthly Angel Who Embodied Grace and Love in Christ.

Keturah Ann Birchfield Ogletree, born on December 22, 1953, in the small, town of Langdale, Alabama, was much like the Southern landscape she called home: vibrant, warm, and full of life. Her laughter was as infectious as a summer afternoon, and her spirit as enduring as the beauty of her hometown. On January 10, 2025, at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, Tennessee, surrounded by her devoted family, Keturah peacefully made her transition to the heavens, leaving behind a legacy that is sure to endure in the hearts of those she touched.

Daughter of William Howard Birchfield and Margaret King Birchfield, Keturah was blessed with a family that instilled in her the values of kindness, love, and devotion—qualities she carried throughout her life. She was a sister, a wife, a friend, and most importantly, a beacon of hope and comfort to everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She is survived by her cherished sisters, Delores Birchfield Coxwell, Tori Birchfield Williams, and a loving niece, Cam Coxwell Shiflett, nephews, Stephen J. Stewart, and Spencer Kirk whose bonds were strong, and by Bill Ogletree a loving and devoted husband.

Growing up, Keturah found joy and purpose in the outdoors. An earthy soul who reveled in the magnificence of Mother Nature, she loved camping under starlit skies, where she found her connection to the world and the Divine. These camping trips weren't merely escapades into the woods; they were Keturah's sanctuary, a time for reflection, and an opportunity to share stories around the campfire that would create fond memories and bring others closer together.

Her educational journey began at Hugley Elementary, leading her to Lanett High School, and later to Opelika Tech. Armed with a kind heart, Keturah set out on a mission that would define her life's purpose: bringing others to Christ. Her career wasn't one of pursuing worldly accolades or financial gain but was rooted in something far more intrinsic and meaningful. As a humble steward of faith, she guided souls toward salvation with a tender hand and an understanding heart.

Keturah's impact stretched beyond the walls of her church and into the broader community, where her love for all creatures great and small was well known. She found joy in the company of cats, dogs, and all manner of wildlife, illustrating her nurturing, generous spirit. In every wagging tail and gentle purr, Keturah saw the Divine, and she was unwavering in her commitment to their care and protection. Her ability to instill this empathy in others is perhaps her most enduring accomplishment.

Her beloved husband, Bill Ogletree, was her confidant and partner in what can only be described as a loving dance of life's ups and downs. Their life together was filled with shared adventures, tender moments, and a love that grew deeper with each passing year. Bill will forever cherish the time they spent together, her love being his guiding light and comfort through all seasons.

Keturah's kindness knew no bounds, and she had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel like family. Her quick wit and radiant personality were always the life of the party.

Despite her earthly departure, Keturah’s influence continues to be seen in everything from the quiet acts of kindness she inspired to the resonant echoes of her faith-led convictions. Her dedication to nurturing not just bodies, but souls, left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Keturah taught us the vital lesson that love should be our true north, a guiding principle carried out in even the smallest interactions.

To honor Keturah's wishes, her family will hold a private graveside service with pastor Glenn Shiflett officiating. They have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Keturah's name to local animal shelters or Sav-a-Life in Lanett Alabama.

While our hearts are heavy with the loss of Keturah, there is solace in knowing she lived her life as an exemplar of grace and generosity. Her compassion was her compass; her faith, her ballast. And as we celebrate her luminous life, we also find comfort in the belief that she is now enveloped by the same peace and love she so freely gave to each of us.

In the end, Keturah’s story is not one of a grandiose, worldly triumph but one of quiet victories and innumerable gentle gestures that enriched the lives of others. She reminded us that this life is temporary, but what remains eternal are the imprints we leave on each  other's hearts.

As we bid farewell to Keturah Ann Birchfield Ogletree, we embrace the legacy she leaves behind: a world infinitely richer because she was in it, a world filled with the echoes of her laughter and the warmth of her kindness. May we carry her memory forward by living with the same exuberance, the same openheartedness, and the same faith she so effortlessly embodied. Rest in peace, dear Keturah, knowing your light shines brightly in all of us.

 Rest in peace our sweet precious sister in Christ.