Vechell Ann Bilbrey Keaton Short

Vechell Ann (Bilbrey-Keaton) Short, traded this earthly life of 75 years for a heavenly one that lasts forever. After a lengthy and trying illness, she was eternally healed April 17, 2015. She leaves behind a loving husband in Johnnie Lee Short who, in a brief amount of time, brought great joy to her life. Marrying Vechell in June, 2012, John’s tender care and devotion have been a blessing to observe. She is also survived by two brothers, Hubert Bilbrey (Sue) and David Bilbrey and two sisters, Charlotte ”Mona” Fox and Judy Gulley, also sisters-in-law, Sylvia Denney of New Castle, Mary Davis (Ronnie), Shirley Lowe (Jack), Susie Lambert (Don); brothers-in-law, Richard Short (Elizabeth) and Jim Short (Madonna) all of Olive Hill, KY; and several nieces and nephews, plus many great nieces and nephews. Her niece Cathy Hamilton (Dennis) assisted John as a primary care provider during these past several months. Several friends and family members sat bedside vigil in her final days. A kind, gentle woman, Vechell had many friends through her Crossroads Church, her family, her work at RCA and later her many years of work at the State Hospital in New Castle and Richmond, and through her hobbies. Vechell loved music, especially Elvis Presley’s voice and forever remembered hearing him in live concert. Vechell’s crochet skills earned county recognition, she love to fish and swapped fishing tales with Johnnie, her cooking was renown, she was a reader, liked to garden, and was a Biblical scholar. Her Christian walk brought many to study the Scriptures. Her goodness will live on in the lives she touched. Whether knowing people for decades or a little time, she made a lasting impact.

Vechell was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Alpha (Downs) Bilbrey, her first husband, Claude Ray Keaton; three siblings, Larry Bilbrey, Jeanene Williams (Murvel) and Tracey Bilbrey (Jenny), and a great niece Jennifer.

Vechell was born February 19, 1940, in Jamestown, Tennessee, moving to Henry County as a toddler. Other than a brief resident of Valdosta, Georgia, she then spent her life in Henry County, Indiana, primarily in New Castle. She was a Knightstown High School graduate.

Vechell Ann Short passed as she had lived, with dignity, grace, and holding onto her faith in an almighty and loving God.

While flowers are lovely and appreciated, contributions made to the American Cancer Society would truly honor her struggle. Her viewing will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2015, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with her final service being at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2015, at the funeral home, with her Pastor Danny Douglas officiating and Reverend Elwood Evans offering prayer. Interment will be at Mt. Summit Cemetery on State Road 36 immediately from Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service. After the burial service, a light meal will be offered at Crossroads Church on Memorial Drive.