Obituary of John Rodney Keyes ~ 2010

Transcribed by Joan S Dunn

Source: New Bern Sun Journal Mar 8 2010

RICHMOND, Va. - John Rodney Keyes, age 78, of Richmond, Va., entered into 
eternal rest on Thursday, March 4, 2010, at the McGuire Veteran's 
Administration Medical Center.  
He was one of 10 children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Keyes of 
Oriental, N.C. Following high school graduation from Pamlico County High 
School, he entered into the U.S. Army and completed his basic training at 
Honolulu, Hawaii. He served our country in Germany and in the Korean 
conflict. Following this, he earned a B.A. in education from Shaw 
University. He later earned his M.S. from Virginia State University. 
He completed additional studies at Columbia University, University of 
Pennsylvania, VCU and UVA. He began a career as a professional educator in 
Fredericksburg, Va., where he met his wife. Later he joined Richmond 
Public Schools as an educator and guidance counselor, retiring after 35 
years of devoted service. He was a faithful deacon and member of Ebenezer 
Baptist Church and a Life, and 50-year member of Alpha Phi Alpha 
Fraternity Inc.  
He is survived by his faithful wife of 49 years and 10 months, Mary 
Delores Williams Keyes; two sons and daughters-in-law Rodney and Vicki 
Keyes, Fayetteville, Ga., and Kirk and Chimi Boyd-Keyes of Raleigh; 
grandchildren, Jonathan (deceased), Nia, and Ashley Keyes; two brothers, 
Alfred Keyes (Ossie) of North Carolina and Warren Keyes of Colorado; three 
sisters, Fannie Coleman of North Carolina, Agnes Suggs of North Carolina, 
and Elnora Finch of North Carolina; mother-in-law, Eliza Bumbrey Williams 
of Virginia; sister-in-law Joyce Gray of Maryland; and a very large and 
close family of nieces, nephews and cousins.  
Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where 
the family will receive friends Sunday, March 7 from 5 to 6 p.m.  
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, March 8 at Ebenezer 
Baptist Church, 216 W. Leigh St., with the Rev. Dr. Levy M. Armwood Jr. 
officiating. Interment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery.





Back to Pamlico Obituaries Index
Return to Pamlico County Page