Keith Weatherspoon

Keith E. Weatherspoon was born on December 13, 1949 in New Orleans, LA. and peacefully departed his life on January 6, 2024. He was the only boy born to Catherine Adauf Weatherspoon and Leslie E. Weatherspoon. Keith grew up in Robbins, IL with his maternal grandparents, Albert S. Adauf (Adolph) and Mary Dixon Adolph (step-grandmother); his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Ovide Adauf passed before this time. Keith accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at an early age. Keith was educated in the Chicago School system and attended Eisenhower High School. As a child, he had aspirations of being a stockbroker. Keith was taught early on, “if you want something in life, you must work hard for it”. So, he did! He graduated from Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans, LA. Keith completed his undergraduate studies at Xavier University of LA, and later obtained his Master’s Degree from Tulane University. He was initiated in the Fairfax/Alexandria Chapter and served as a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In 2005, Keith married Debra Sterling Weatherspoon. They shared many great years together and traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States. Keith and Debra both “love them some Saints”. They shared many memorable experiences with friends from their beloved alma maters of Xavier University and Dillard University. They resided in Cypress, TX following the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. Like many seasoned couples, they continually kept each other laughing with smart remarks of upmanship on the other. It was evident that Keith loved him some Debra, and she definitely loved him back! They joined Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA and later became members of First Metropolitan Church in Houston, TX under the leadership of Bishop John Ogletree, Jr. With a heart full of ambition and determination, Keith had a genuine passion for uplifting others through his work and personal life. He loved the city of New Orleans. While living there, Keith served on the Board of City Trusts and counseled many Mayors on economic and municipal issues. He was truly committed to The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Keith was a proud lifetime member and reigned as King Zulu in 1990. He always said, “I was the people’s King…” He relished time with the brothers and coined the phrase, “The Gathering of the Kings” at the Zulu Coronation Balls. Keith was also a founding member of The Good Providers Fishing Club. Professionally, Keith became involved in pharmaceutical sales and eventually stockbroking. He worked for Bache Halsey Stuart Shields, then EF Hutton with a daily radio report on stock market activity. While transitioning to investment banking, Keith took a leave of absence to work as a Special Assistant to the President of the United States. Upon returning to investment banking, he established Housing Finance Agencies for municipalities and states providing mortgages to low-income families. Keith later joined Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette as a Senior VP handling municipal bond issues across the country. During this time, he arranged for a LA bond refunding issue of $1.2 billion. Without it, the public schools in Louisiana would have had to close in April 1988. Keith never wavered in his resolve to become the best version of himself with each career move. His total real estate experience spanned over 40 years, most recently at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. Other leadership positions included Director of Business Development at Airware LLC, and Managing Partner of Sterling-Weatherspoon. His commitment to excellence was always evident! Keith is survived by his devoted wife, Debra Sterling Weatherspoon; one adopted daughter, Ashley Weatherspoon with his late ex-wife Marie Slade Weatherspoon; three sisters, Cosette Weatherspoon West Kaufman (Julius), Giselle Weatherspoon Williams, and Nadja Weatherspoon Carr (Dennis); Godchildren, Nikki Carter-Williams, Rodrick Davis and Myran Ifford; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Franklin Ave Baptist Church, 8200 I-10 Service Road, New Orleans, LA 70126 on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 8:00am until 10:00am. Please join us by livestream at 9:50 am by visiting www.Franklinabc.com. Internment: Private. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences to the family.