Remembering Mrs. Lori Keaton

Lori Keaton pictured here with her daughter Maranda Keaton.
Photo Courtesy of Maranda Keaton

Mrs. Lori Keaton, food production manager of Aramark at Concord, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, after a battle with sarcoma. As a true Mountain Lion, Lori will forever be a part of the Concord University community. 

Mrs. Keaton was a 1989 graduate of Scott High School in Boone County, WV. After graduating, she had a career in the United States Coast Guard before joining Concord. She served under Aramark for 24 years. 

The Concord Dining Service family shares how Lori completed the University and especially the dining hall. “We as a work family could never have enough words to say of our love and respect for Lori, Randy, and her family. In a lifetime, to find a job where love is found like this, is priceless. May Lori live through each of us. She was one of the strongest women we have ever known. May we all be Lori Strong!” 

She led not only the dining staff, but anyone who needed a helping hand. Her hard work and dedication showed how much the cared for and loved Concord. Many staff and faculty remember her positive and uplifting character. Even during treatments, she never went without giving her all to Concord University.

Lora Wooline, executive assistant to President Boggess, shared how Mrs. Keaton was willing to always put the students first. If a student was diabetic and did not have a meal plan, she would give them juice and cookies. Wooline also mentioned how she could probably count on one hand the number of times she saw Lori without a smile. “Concord will always be forever changed by her.” she said. 

 Concord University Senior Admissions Counselor Allen Smith shared memories of his 12 plus years spent around Lori Keaton.  “Being here at Concord, many times you feel like it’s a family, so when she passed, it felt like a family member had passed away.” Smith continued by saying that part going to the cafeteria is so you can get something to eat, but the other part is so you can see those family members. “Lori was definitely one of those.”

“Her always positive, can-do attitude was infectious. Although largely working behind the scenes, Lori never asked of anyone tasks that she wouldn’t do herself,” shared Dr. Marjie Flanigan, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. She went on to say how Lori was always busy. She helped students select meal plans, worked the register, took care of management, and was sure to plan for the Finals Week Breakfast. “Lori was always cheerful and kind. Concord and her Aramark colleagues were Lori’s second family and it’s hard to imagine Concord without her.” 

Concord University President Dr. Kendra Boggess shared her first memory of Mrs. Keaton. When she first met her, it was when she became President. Lori oversaw planning and catering for an event on the President’s lawn. She knew she was working with a leader and someone who loved her job.  “She had a rare, but absolutely positive attitude.” She then mentioned, like many others, how Lori continued to smile, not matter how difficult the day or task.

Dr. Boggess continued by stating, “Lori will leave a legacy of kindness, hard work, and leadership. If I had the opportunity of who to hire, I’d hire Lori, who is someone I admire”

In honor of Lori Keaton’s memory, inside the Libby Alvis Dining Hall, students will find a table with roses and a poster board for students to leave a note to the family. Along with this, several cards have been placed in the dining areas for anyone wanting to share thoughts with the Keaton family.

Richard Dillon, vice president of administration and associate dean of students, said, “She was a great Lady, wonderful mother and excellent manager for Aramark. In all the time I knew her, she never let me down, and as far as I know, that's how she operated with everyone.  I trusted her to do the right thing, and she always did so. Lori Keaton was simply remarkable.” 

Dillon speaks for everyone at Concord by stating, “The entire Concord and Aramark communities have lost a dear friend.”