W Mae Keyes

W. Mae Braxton Keyes transitioned peacefully on November 24, 2025, at Norwalk Hospital. She was born in New Kent, Virginia on March 20, 1948, to Walter and Audrey Jones Braxton. After graduating high school, she continued her education at Winston-Salem University and completed her bachelor's degree at Kean University, followed by obtaining a Master's of Social Work degree from Southern Connecticut State University. She completed both degrees with honors, a reflection of her determination, discipline, and commitment to excellence. Mae was married to James Allen Keyes, who preceded her in death. Their union was blessed with one son, Jeremy, whom they loved dearly. After moving to Basking Ridge, NJ and then settling in Weston, CT., they cheered Jeremy on in academics and athletics, through high school and at Dartmouth College. Allen's passing in 2001 was deeply saddening, as Jeremy and his mother's bond became stronger. Mae attended every one of Jeremy's college games, home and away (even if he was riding the bench). She continued to cheer on Jeremy throughout his life, through his career in New York, his marriage to his wife, Jillian, and the joys of fatherhood. During her 20-year career with the Social Security Administration, she helped people from all walks of life plan for their future during difficult times. The drive to help others naturally aligned with her faith, was evident in her servitude at Union Baptist Church where she served as a trustee and director of the senior ministry, Autumn Gold. After retirement, she enjoyed spending as much time as possible with her adored grandchildren Billie and Zachary and traveling the world with the dapper Mr. Dan Williams. Mae also served as a family historian, parsing through historical records to help ensure the family's genealogical roots. Her legacy of love and commitment will be treasured by her son, Jeremy and his wife Jillian, adored grandchildren Billie and Zachary, her sister; Joyce Williams, her devoted friend; Dan Williams, nephew, Jason Williams and wife Holly, niece, Holly McMahon and husband Corey, great niece; Arden Williams, great nephew; Braxton Williams and a host of extended family and friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, followed by a service of celebration at 11:00 am at Union Baptist Church, 805 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT. Rev. Dr. Andre L. Bradley, officiant. Interment will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Third Union Baptist Church Cemetery, King William, Virginia.