Cleria Via Key

KEY, Cleria Via, of High Point, N.C. and Roanoke, Va., 1925s "Heart of Gold" Jefferson High School Yearbook Award recipient, Mrs. Cleria Via Key sadly passed away on April 13, 2015, just missing her 110th birthday. She was born to Isabelle Ferguson Via and William Noah Via on April 26, 1905. She was a native of Roanoke, Va. most of her life. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Mr. Nathan H. Key. Her daughter, Mrs. Gail Key Leonard, a U.S. History and Government high school teacher also predeceased her in death in 2005. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Captain Robert "Bob" Via (United States Marine Corps Assistant Naval Attache to the American Embassy London), Frank Via and Major Burks "William" Via (World War II Fighter Pilot and Marine Corp Commandant Personal Pilot); and her sisters, Elsie Via-Logwood, Vivian Via Dick and Annie Via Grayson. She is survived by her granddaughter, Rella E. Leonard-Leo MSW and husband, Dr. Sherwood Phillip Leo, of High Point N.C.; grandson, Robert Nathan Key Leonard, of Deltona, Fla.; and son-in-law, Robert G. Leonard, of High Point N.C. Rella and Rob remained the joys throughout her life as did her family. Cleria Key (or Nana as she was affectionately known) had four nieces, two nephews, many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Surviving are, Jeanette Grayson Gottlieb; Cleria Anne Grayson, Walter Grayson Jr., Martha Dick, Suzanne Via-Zaw and Dr. Mark W. Via. Mrs. Key was a Charter Member of Virginia Heights Baptist Church and was baptized in the church in 1922. She taught Sunday school for many years and lead youth groups as well. She enjoyed teaching the young people in the church and was a dedicated educator. She was also active with the WMU at the church and her late husband, Nathan served actively as a deacon for many years and co-founded the Charter Bible Class that was organized in 1928 and served actively on the Finance Committee, as well as serving on the Flower Arranging Committee. Leading by example was something that was very important to her. She was a Christian woman of strong mind, strong principle and belief in God, family, church and community. Mrs. Key was an active gardener throughout her life but her passion was her flowers. She was an Accredited Flower Show Judge and kept her certification active through the 1990s. She often traveled to shows in Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., New York, Philadelphia and Europe to judge with other Master Gardeners. She also enjoyed keeping her knowledge and skills up to date by taking courses at Virginia Tech. Both she and her late husband were on the Board at the Salvation Army in Roanoke and Charter Members of Hidden Valley Country Club in Salem, Va. They were also members of Hunting Hills in Roanoke, Va. enjoyed an active social life until he passed. Mrs. Key remained active in her book and sewing clubs with a close-knit group of friends that the group shared most of their adult lives and she held offices in each. As a graduate of Jefferson High School, she was voted in her senior days Cleria Key: Voted Jefferson High School 1925s Yearbook Award for having a "Heart of Gold" by her fellow classmates. She treasured being active in organizing events and reunions with her Class for JHS Preservation. She did volunteer work with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association. A service and celebration of her life will be announced by family at a later time.