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Mary Keys Obituary
Mary attended the public school systems in Starr and Anderson, S.C. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Rufus Keys. God blessed their union with six wonderful children.
At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal savior and joined the Generostee Baptist Church in Starr, S.C. The family moved to Trenton in the early 1950s. She worked for the North Princeton Developmental Center in Skillman, before she retired in 1988 after more than 30 years of service.
While residing in Trenton, she was a devoted member of the Trenton Deliverance Center. After her retirement, she made her home in Anderson, S.C. She became a member of Zion Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she served as a missionary and deaconess.
Mary was predeceased by her infant son, Charles, her sisters, Hattie Lois Glenn-Carroll and Naomi Lyons, and her brother, Hugh David Gilliard.
Cherishing her memory are five loving and faithful children, her son, Michael Keys (Maureen); four daughters, Jacqueline Diane Williams (Roy), Brenda Styles (Reid), Gloria Fields (Jessie), and Darlene Winfield (Maurice); two sisters, Ida Ruth Paul and Ann L. Paden; four brothers, Troy Lee Gilliard, James A. Gilliard (Earlene), Warren Fant Gilliard (Betty), and Boyce Gilliard; sisters-in-law, Dessie Mae Gilliard and Theodosia Gilliard; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; god- daughter, Loretta Forchion; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Trenton Deliverance Center, 1100 S. Clinton Ave., Trenton. Viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Interment Ewing Cemetery, Trenton.
Ministry of comfort entrusted to May Funeral Homes, Camden, Pennsauken, Vineland and Willingboro. www.mayfuneralhomes.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Keys
Joan Hillsman
June 26, 2019
To the family of my cousin: Love and memories of her kind manner, soft spoken, and most of all Christian values sticks with us, as we prepare to go to our Family Reunion in July. God will hold us together in sweet memories and family connections. Joan (Gilliard Familly) Rucker Hillsman
July 14, 2011
God bless you, family. Words cannot adequately express our feelings at this time. The family reunion in SC had a void, but she is in a better place. Sorry I couldn't be there. Keep in touch. Your cousin, Joan Rucker Hillsman and family (Syracuse, NY)
Lane & Dianne Whitfield
July 7, 2011
Mary was a wonderful and kind neighbor to us. She will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
July 6, 2011
We will miss Mary very much. She has been a wonderful neighbor to us for so many years.
July 5, 2011
DEAR KEYS FAMILY:
THE FAMILY HAS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS. YOUR "DEAR MOTHER" HAS BEEN WELCOMED INTO THE PEARLY GATES. TEARS WILL WARM YOUR CHEEKS WITH CHERISHED MEMORIES! EVERLASTING MEMORIES LIVE IN OUR HEARTS, FOREVER AND FOREVER!
ALWAYS REMEMBER, MOM WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU!
LOVINGLY, PAT PARRISH
July 4, 2011
Ms. Styles (Brenda), Courtney, and Family:
May God comfort you during this time. Although we did not get a chance to know Ms. Keys, the saying, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" is a testament that she was a wonderful lady based on knowing both of you.
Blessings,
Darwin and Tammy Mills, Newport News, VA
Desiree Jones
July 4, 2011
Aunt Mary, I will miss you greatly. I will remember you words of wisdom and strength that I have received all of my life. To my cousins, I love you and my prayers are with you.
Terry and Gwen Gilliard
July 3, 2011
Aunt Mary I will always remember you as a humble, soft spoken beautiful woman. To the son, and daughters we love you. We will miss Aunt Mary
Gwendolyn Caldwell-Fortt
July 3, 2011
May the Lord be near you. Asking God to keep you close at this difficult time.
Gwendolyn Caldwell-Fortt
Phila, pa
cliff halligan
July 3, 2011
aunt mary you'll be missed. i send my prayers to the family at their time of need.
July 2, 2011
We ppray that God will wrap his loving arms of comfort around each of you during this painful period. Aunt Mary will be greatly missed. We love her, but God loves her most!
Carolyn Gilliard Patterson & Family
Rev. Dr. Frances E. Paul
June 30, 2011
Aunt Mary,
Your Life, Love & Legacy lives forever in our hearts! Until we meet again...Love, Prissy
James Lyons
June 30, 2011
GOD bless your soul Aunt Mary. I will miss you.
C. Andra' Lackey
June 30, 2011
I remember Aunt Mary as one of the strongest women that I ever knew. She had strength of character and such a kind heart. I will miss her leadership in our family.
Kevin Rhodes
June 30, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary. May these thoughts from the Bible bring comfort to you in this time of need. Now may the God who supplies endurance and comfort grant YOU to have among yourselves the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had, that with one accord YOU may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:15). With deep sorrow, Kevin
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