Mary Keyes

Mary Gertrude Keyes was born on July 2, 1932; to the late Oscar and Viola Howard in
Philadelphia, Pa, the oldest of five children. Mary Keyes preceded in death by her sisters
Yvonne Simmons, Laura Miller, and brothers Ronald and Donald Howard. She went on to
rejoice with the Lord on Friday the 23 rd of November 2018.
Mary received her education from the Philadelphia school system graduating from Overbrook
High School. After graduating, Mary started her first and only culinary position at Harcum Junior
College and retired after 63 years service. She was well loved by both the students and staff
alike so much that her great work ethic influenced them to hire many members of her family.
On October 5, 1950, Mary married her 1 st love, the late Robert Keyes Sr. To this union 5 children
were born; Darlene, Steven, Barbara, Gary and Robert Jr. Mary alongside her husband, raised
their children in a loving and nurturing home. Mary was a faithful and devoted wife for 54 years
until God called Father Keyes home to be with him. She continued their family legacy and
honored her husband in death by living her life to the fullest through the rearing of her
grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mary accepted Christ at the early stages of her marriage where she began her Christian journey
at Ninetieth Street Mt. Hermon Church in Philadelphia, Pa. She later transitioned her church
membership to Mt. Calvary Family Worship Center currently under the leadership of Pastor
Sharon L. Campbell- Smith. It was there that she faithfully served as a Mother of the church and
on other ministries such as the nursing and ushering board.

Mary was the first to commit her life to Christ in her family and it was her hearts desire for God
to save each member of her family. It is because of her diligent faithful prayers and consistent
request for prayers from the church weekly that her husband Father Robert Keyes Sr., before
he passed, accepted Jesus as his savior along with all five of her children over a 30 year span
began to one by one give their life to Christ. Mary was blessed to witness the miracle of
salvation in her family and she is a living example of Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and
you will be saved, you and your household”.
Mary had a passion for God and she exhibited his with how she lived her life. She loved
attending church services, activities and functions. Outside of church and work, spending time
with her family was one of her greatest joys. In her spare time she loved to watch basketball
especially during the play offs and playing pinochle at the senior program daily.
Mary was best loved for her quick wit, her infectious smile and her kind and compassionate
spirit. She will be missed for bursting out in song singing “Somewhere over the Rainbow”, even
though she didn’t know all the words and telling people how good God have been to her.
Mary leaves to cherish many memories, her sister Elizabeth Howard, nephew Walter
Edmondson, son Robert Keyes Jr, daughter in law Kimberly Keyes, daughters Barbara and
Darlene Keyes, son in law Kevin Garnett, grand daughters Natasha Keyes, Natoya Meekins,
Janique Keyes and Selena Miller, grandson Little Rob Keyes, extended grandchildren Donte and
Kia Meekins; 13 great grandchildren, best friends Doris, Sarah, and Sandy and a loving church
family.

It is a blessing to say that Mary Keyes now rests eternally with Jesus.

Lovingly Submitted
The Family