Smithfield – Flora Marlene Keene, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday March 20, 2026 at Smithfield Manor Nursing and Rehab. She was born in Johnston County on October 6, 1937 to the late Raymond Keene and Estelle Blackmon Keene.

A graveside service will be held on at 2:00 PM on Wednesday March 25, 2026 in Keene Family Cemetery in Four Oaks. Marlene will be available to the public on Tuesday March 24, 2026 from 12 Noon to 4:00 PM.

She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Poole and husband Steve of Zebulon, Beth Rose of Princeton, Bridget Johnson of Hixson, TN; first cousin, Larry Keene of Smithfield; grandchildren, Brandon Poole and Cory, Ashley Burke and husband Richard, Joshua Gabriel, Jordan Rose and wife Brandy, Nicholas Pensa, Dylan Pensa and wife Olivia; great granddaughters, Ella Rose and Magnolia Pensa.

Marlene was a cosmetologist for many years as well as a home maker. She was a member at Unity FWB Church in Smithfield. In her spare time, she enjoyed working on puzzles, word searches, and loved to cook. Her specialty in the kitchen was fried chicken and potato salad. She was also known to make one of the best homemade chocolate pies and banana pudding. She will be dearly missed by her beloved family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Amedisys Hospice Care 220 New Fidelity Ct, Garner, NC 27529.