Viola Jefferson Keyes

Viola J. Keyes passed quietly on January 22, 2026, at Capital Caring Health. Viola was a long-time District of Columbia government executive until her retirement in 2000. She served on numerous boards and was affiliated with many organizations. Viola was also a member of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., where she served in various ministries.
Viola is survived by her devoted brother, Charles (Deborah) Jefferson of Silver Spring, MD; her stepdaughter, Linda Keyes of Maryland; her daughter-in-law, Beverly Keyes of Washington, D.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
She will be laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery with her beloved husband, Robert A. Keyes, in a private service on Tuesday, March 10. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert and Viola Keyes Endowment Fund at Howard University, honoring their shared commitment to education and community.
Condolences and arrangements are entrusted to McGuire Funeral Services, Inc. www.mcguire.com