A celebration of the life of Winston A. Keene Sr. will occur on
Monday, June 3, 2024
Viewing 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Service 11:00 a.m..
Vine Memorial Baptist Church
5600 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Interment: Westminster Cemetery
His Life Story
The earthly pilgrimage of Reverend Winston A. Keene began November 9, 1943, in Kingston, Jamaica.
He was born to the late Vincent and Muriel Keene.
WINSTON was a holder of many hats; one in which he served as a police constable in his hometown of
Kingston, Jamaica. Once abroad in The United States, he then became a Law Enforcement officer in New
York City. His trailblazing dedication to his duty as an officer landed him countless commendations for a job
well done for serving his community. Winston always had a knack for serving and protecting, which he did
extremely well and exemplified an attitude of valor when faced with any situation while carrying out his duty
as an officer. His proactive approach to life allowed him to continually take the initiative, while serving, to
see that things happened for the good of the community, rather than waiting for something to happen and
then reacting. With this candid behavior, unapologetically, Winston was an honorable, personable, and
well-respected individual to whomever he encountered.
Upon retirement from the Law Enforcement Agency, Winston held numerous private security officer
positions, in which he dedicated and perpetuated his life to always serving and protecting. He was also an
honorably discharged member of the United States Armed Forces (Army). Indubitably, Winston’s well-
respected mannerism was very infectious and was one to model yourself after. This is certainly the legacy
he left with us.
Winston also had a great liking and appreciation for music. He was heavily engaged as a disc jockey at
numerous club events, private/social gatherings, and countless family functions. In his younger years,
Winston, expanded his own DJ equipment and built a well-respected sound system in which he flag-
shipped with his queen, Elaine, and established himself under the name El-Win Disco. He was no stranger
to the dance floor as he also loved to dance. Many were the gatherings in which he held the top hat for his
stylish moves on the dance floor.
Winston was also a huge fan of the kitchen, where he prepared many delectable dishes for the family. He
loved his cooking as much as he loved the Lord, and his dishes were always well received. One thing is for
certain, two things for sure, and thirdly without question, Winston loved his queen, Elaine Keene. It was as
though they were Velcro’d at the hip; you could never catch them apart from each other. He loved her from
the crown of her head to the soul of her feet and would often times refer to her as “my queen“ and “my bully
beef” (Jamaican term of endearment).
Winston received his early education in Jamaica, West Indies. He later pursued higher education
at Palmer Theological Seminary, where he acquired his pastoral degree in 2001. Uniting with Vine
Memorial Baptist Church on January 30, 1994, Winston was elected to the Board of Deacons in 1996,
ordained to the Diaconate in 1998, and acknowledged a call to the Ministry shortly thereafter. He was
subsequently licensed and ordained under the pastorate of the late Reverend James Sterling Allen,
obtaining numerous certifications.
Winston was a committed servant, as evidenced by his various roles and positions within the church,
serving on the Male Chorus, as Coordinator of the Men’s Ministry, Co-Chairperson of Men’s Day, member
of the Deacon Board, all at Vine Memorial, as well as a Sunday school educator and former Assistant to
Pastor Julius Renwick at Mount Ephraim Baptist Church.
To know Winston was to love him. Any space that he walked into, he lit up. He was admirable,
charismatic, selfless, a trendsetter, and most of all, a child of God.
Winston exemplified the definition of dedication and love to family, friends, and loved ones. He was
preceded in death by: his grandchild, Auburn, and sibling, Karlene.
Winston is survived by: his wife of fifty-nine years, Elaine Keene; six children, Rohan “Noel” (Eulene),
Denise, Winston Jr. (Danna), Andrew (Alonda), Tricia (Warren) and Sean; fourteen grandchildren, Natasha,
Shanice, Aundrea (Brandon), Tamara, DeAndre, Brianna, Andrew, Jr. Aaron, Sophia, Emerald, Layla,
Samira, Jamyah, and Brianna Crooks; nine great-grandchildren, Kayden, Imani, Carter, Peyton, Skylar,
Harmony, Kyndal, KynLee and Zhymerian; siblings, Patricia (Patsy) [Matriarch], Norma (Peggy), Maurice
[Patriarch], Delroy, Sonia, Jean-Marie, Rolston, Heather and Raphael; extended family, and a host of
friends.
Sorrowfully submitted, The Family
