Through loving Jamaicans who have moved into my area, I have developed a habit of being in the ghetto areas of my particular area of upstate NY. One of the lovely ladies 'Lisa' was a great person and would support the various Jamaican events throughout the years. My kids always LOVED her, she was great with children, everyones kids, her own kids... So eight Valentines Days ago, one of her sisters had a "BIG PARTY" to preceed her marriage, an all girls party. I didn't go because I had to work the next day early morning & know how these ladies party late! My friend Diedre left Lisa at the place of the party early on (she also had an early morning due at work situation)... Post-party time Lisa was walking home and was mowed down by a taxi cab driver, over and over and over... he (the driver) reportedly had a seizure or something. She was dragged something like three hundred feet by the taxi.
Her funeral could have been a movie, really and truly... deep in the heart of the ghetto.. all of her daughters and daughters friends had on tight jeans and white tee-shirts stating "RIP LISA" ... various crack head cousins lurked outside, not being allowed in, sisters shrieking "that's NOT Lisa" because they had an open coffin and her body had been dragged for a LONG period of time...
She was a lovely lady with a strong faith as well as a great sincere appreciation of the Jamaican people who had moved into the area she grew up in from when she was a child. Jamaica was always a place that she wanted to visit at some point in her life. She LOVED reggae music and had a great respect for the Jamaican people who moved to this area and have worked so very hard. BLESS UP LISA!

Lisa Keene
KEENE Lisa From little reminders in my day, thoughts of you will always brighten my day. Happy Valentine's Day. Your Sister, Rue
Published in Albany Times Union on February 14, 2011 Lisa Keene
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KEENE Lisa Happy Valentine's Day Auntie Lisa. We love and miss you. Ballah and Kendaya
Published in Albany Times Union on February 14, 2011 Lisa Keene
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KEENE Lisa Happy Valentine's Day. I love you amd miss you. Deidre
Published in Albany Times Union on February 14, 2011 Lisa Keene
KEENE Lisa Happy Valentine's Day. We love and miss you dearly. Mom and Charlotte
Published in Albany Times Union on February 14, 2011 Lisa Keene

KEENE Lisa Happy Valentine's Day. We truly miss you and you'll always be in our hearts. Love, Your Children