Ollie Mae Kee

Ollie Mae Kee

Our Gift Arrived – March 1, 1934 Heaven’s Gain – October 17, 2026

Ollie Mae Kee was born at home on March 1, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Ernest Cosby, Sr. and Rebecca Henson Cosby. Delivered by a midwife, she began a life marked by faith, devotion to family, and generosity toward others.

Ollie attended Hooper City High School, where she met her future husband, Adam Kee. She relocated to Columbus, Ohio, and on March 25, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart. The next day, Adam left as a soldier in the war. In 1954, they welcomed their first child, Jennese, and later their family grew to include Adam Jr., Debora Gale, Darlene, Kevin, and Kenneth.

Faith was a constant in Ollie’s life. In Birmingham, she was a member of Eastern Star Baptist Church. After moving to Columbus, she connected with Trinity Baptist Church. She later joined Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church to support her brother-in-law, the late Rev. Cleophus Kee. She was also a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and Love Zion Baptist Church before being led to New Faith Baptist Church of Christ, where she worshiped under the pastoral leadership of her nephew, the late Rev. Dr. Jefferey P. Kee.

Throughout her church life, Ollie served in many ministries, but her heart belonged to the usher board. She ushered for 32 years and served as its president for many years, taking the responsibility seriously and serving with dedication. At New Faith, she served in the Greeter’s Ministry, welcoming others with warmth. Ollie also regularly attended Sunday School and noonday Bible study. When she was no longer able to attend church, she continued to nurture her spiritual walk by holding Bible study in her home, led by her beloved son, Kevin.

Ollie worked at The Ohio State University and retired in 1984. Family was deeply important to her. She brought relatives together to support family and friends, and her home and heart were open to those in need. She would take in strangers and care for them until they could be reunited with their families. She also remembered the sick and shut-in, sending cards to let them know they were not forgotten.

A phenomenal cook, Ollie expressed her love through food. Her chicken and dumplings and pound cake were among the dishes her loved ones cherished. She would prepare food months ahead of time, eagerly anticipating the arrival of family visiting from out of town.

Ollie Mae Kee made her peaceful, kingdom transition at home on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Her life of faith, service, hospitality, and love will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew her.

Ollie was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Cosby, Sr. and Rebecca Henson Cosby; husband, Adam Kee, Sr.; brothers, William Calvin Cosby, Ernest Cosby, Jr., and Willie Cosby; sister, Lula Lee Spencer; son, Kevin Kee; and grandson, Shane Riggins; and great-grandson, Kevin Jordan Kee.

Ollie leaves to cherish her love and memory her children, Jennese (Otis) Kee, Adam Kee, Jr., Debora Givens, Darlene (Donnell) Sunderland, and Kenneth Kee; honorary daughter, Michelle Barker; brother-in-law, Rev. Napoleon A. (Joyce) Kee; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and friends.