Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Jul 26, 1951 - Dec 28, 2025 (Age 74)
To the Family:
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
(Matthew 5:4 ESV)
Will Hargrove
February 05, 2026 | Gary, IN
Key family, I am sorry to hear of Johnnie's passing. I remember the Key family when we were all living in Gary, Indiana. Brother & Sister Phillips were my parents. I long for the time when we will have resurrection notices and not death notices. Sister Annie Key and all Key family members you have my deepest sympathy. Love to you all, Doris Phillips-Whitt.
Doris Whitt
January 31, 2026 | Middlesboro, KY | Friend
Johnnie Lee Key, born July 26, 1951, in Livingston, Alabama, was the second-born of twelve children to Annie and Mathew Key. After moving to Gary, Indiana in 1952, Johnnie built a life rooted in strong faith, lasting friendships, and love for family.
In 1962, when Johnnie was 11 years of age, his family began studying with Jehovah's Witnesses. Johnnie dedicated his life to Jehovah and was baptized on August 22, 1966, alongside his oldest brother, Matthew. He later served as a Ministerial Servant, known for encouraging others with the Scriptures and offering practical help, kindness, and support.
Johnnie graduated from West Side High School (Gary, Indiana) in 1969 and enjoyed athletics—especially track and pole vaulting—along with fishing, skating, football, and card games like Bid Whist. He worked 43 years at Inland Steel in East Chicago, Indiana, before retirement. Johnnie was known for his warm spirit, infectious smile, and the phrase he often shared: "I'm doing well...as to be expected."
He was preceded in death by his father, Mathew Key Sr.; his son, Dorian Key; his grandson, Malik Key; and his brothers, Willie Key and Ralph Key.
He is survived by his mother, Annie Key; his wife, Mary Key; stepdaughter, Devin West; sons Darrius (Jacqueline) Key, DeShawn Key, Devon Key, and Darren Key; siblings Matthew (Melodie) Key, Vernon (Thelma) Key, Charles (Frankie) Key, Kimberly (Eric) Flores, Robert (Cleopatra) Key, Shawn (Beverly) Key, Gloria Key, Andrea Key, and Randolph (Theresa) Key; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.
Memorial ServiceKingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses6850 Northcote Ave, Hammond, IN 46324-1715Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2:30 PM CST
Join via Zoom:Meeting ID: 837 0342 1791Passcode: JKey
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