"The stars will shine on June twenty-nine (29)" was a mantra Keema used to announce her birthday. Keema was born on that day in 1973 to Sharon Council and the late Campy Brister in Marianna, AR. Her Aunt Katie insisted on naming her Keema and reminded her of that each time they would speak. (The banter never got old between them, when they spoke Katie would ask "who named you Keema?" And her response would be "Kaaatie"). Keema attended school in the Lee County School District, where she was a proud graduate of the class of 1991. Keema had a love for football and basketball. While in high school she played center on the senior high team and was nicknamed "Big Cookie" by Coach I. Keema was a true Trojan fan and loved to travel to support the team no matter how far or near. Thanks to Tameka Butler for being her traveling buddy.

Keema worked as a blackjack dealer at the Isle of Capri Casino and in the Lee County School District as a bus driver and instructional assistant. She was determined to complete her education. In 2011, while continuing to work, she returned to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Rehab Counseling.

Keema professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Paradise M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor E.H. Garrett. As a youth, she was a member of the junior usher ministry and sang in the youth choir.

Keema was a giving and loving mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. The challenges she had did not prevent her from enjoying a full measure of life, whether it was traveling with family, going to the beach, casino or hiking. Keema had an outgoing spirit and never lost her zest for life. She always loved to travel and retained her candid sense of humor. She loved telling jokes and making others smile. Keema looked forward to special occasions on "The Hill." She would wait with anticipation for everyone to come home and enjoyed using her artistic talents to create the banners for the family gatherings.

Keema was preceded in death by her father, Campy Brister; grandparents, Johnnie & Thelma Sneed and Booster & Marie Brister; three aunts, Barbara Yeargin, Lillie Brister and Joyce Brister.

She leaves many memories that her family will forever cherish; two sons that she adored, KeMario Marquis Council (Teana) and Kofi Malik Council; her loving and devoted mother, Sharon Council; two sisters, Dr. Yolanda C. Lemon (Minister Ben Lemon) and Nonjala Brister; two grandsons, Surreal Rush and K'Mari Council; an attentive niece, Rahmya White; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Keema was preceded in death by:

Father - Campy Brister

Grandparents - Johnnie & Thelma Sneed, Booster & Marie Brister

Aunts - Barbara Yeargin, Lillie Brister, and Joyce Brister

She leaves many memories that her family will forever cherish: two sons that she adored, KeMario Marquis Council (Teana) and Kofi Malik Council; her loving and devoted mother, Sharon Council; two sisters, Dr. Yolanda C. Lemon (Minister Ben Lemon) and Nonjala Brister; two grandsons, Surreal Rush and K'Mari Council; an attentive niece, Rahmya White; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.