Keefe left bequest to Blytheville church

Published March 16, 2023

The May Keefe Estate gave $327,744 to Immaculate Conception Church in Blytheville March 10. A former parishioner of Immaculate Conception, May Lovelace Keefe, 96, of Jonesboro, died Feb. 26, 2022.
In her will, she made the bequest in honor of the late Father Joseph Pallo, who was pastor of Immaculate Conception in Blytheville and its missions for more than 22 years (1989-2011). Father Pallo died Oct. 27 in Fountain Valley, Calif.
“Father Pallo was a dear friend of Mrs. Keefe’s, and he had a special place in her heart,” said Mark Brasfield, a member of Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock who was Keefe’s great-nephew and served as executor of the estate. “We had many conversations about Father Pallo and his impact on her life.” Brasfield is also the business manager for Arkansas Catholic.
Pastor Father Francis Madanu expressed gratitude for the bequest, which is expected to be used to improve the church’s facilities.
Keefe also gifted her great-great-nephews Parker Brasfield and Keaton Brasfield, both of North Little Rock, with $75,000 each to pay for their college education. 
Keefe served in the Navy and traveled the world with her husband John “Jack” Keefe, who served in the Air Force.