Vanessa Ann Kee, 66, of Lawndale, NC, was born on November 28, 1957, in Shelby, NC, to the late William and Emma Hopper.

She was affectionately nicknamed May Lou. She departed this life on February 17, 2024, at Atrium Health Cleveland, Shelby, NC.

Ann attended Burns High School, Lawndale, NC. She had been employed at Shelby Cleaners, Pittsburgh Paint and Glass (PPG), and the Celanese Corporation. She was a member of Palmer Grove Baptist Church, Kingstown, NC. She had served on the usher board and kitchen committee.

Ann was small in stature, but big in personality, courage, and compassion. She spoke her mind blunt and to the point when needed. She loved her family with that same firmness. Her presence would brighten anyone's day. She was the life of the party, loved dancing, and her laugh was infectious. She was known in earlier years to be a great athlete. She could run, play softball and basketball. The San Francisco 49er's was her favorite sports team.

In addition to her parents William Hopper and Emma Hopper, she is preceded in death by her husband John Kee; one son, Tyjuan Hopper; two brothers, Herman Hopper and Franklin Thompson.

Although she will be greatly missed, she leaves cherished memories of laughter, love and joy with her son, Rieko (Fea) Haynes of Gastonia, NC, and daughter, Tyjuanna (Shea) Hopper of Shelby, NC; one sister, Gina H. Fowler of Shelby, NC; three brothers , William Hopper, Ricky Hopper and Barry Hopper all of Shelby, NC; eight grandchildren, Juanita Hopper, Riekalyha Haynes, Shea Shea Hopper, TJ Hopper, Dakota Hopper, Dynasty Hopper and Caysen Whiteside; two aunts, Annie Johnson and Edahlia Schenck; one uncle, Jessie Hopper; special friends, Lynn Jackson and Larry Lawrence and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Palmer Grove Baptist Church in Kingstown, NC at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. all other times the family will be meeting at 2440 Oak Grove Road, Shelby, NC.

Burial will be at the church cemetery.