Mrs. Sandra L. King Keyes

Sandra L. King Keyes was born in Meridian, MS to the late Mr. and Mrs. Bennie and Henrietta King, Jr. on April 12, 1954. She was the second of six children. She departed this life on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 at the Meridian Community Living Center. Guided by her spiritual GPS, she was led down the path of righteousness. She began her Christian journey at an early age, accepting Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and becoming a member of the New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Enterprise, MS. After marriage, she united with the Old Enterprise Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a Deaconess and choir member. When moving to Meridian, MS, she united with the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in many ministries. She served as a Deaconess, Drama Ministry Director, Missionary Society President, Sunday School Teacher and Choir Member. Studying to show herself approved, she traveled across the nation to take Christian Educational courses. She received several certificates for completing 4-year seminars in Advanced Leadership Training through the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education of the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc. She was active within the East Mississippi Baptist State Congress of Christian Education and Women's Auxiliary. While in college, Sandra met and dated M. H. Keyes. On December 28, 1975, they were united in the holy state of matrimony. To this union, two daughters were born, Sanyika Lokassa and Monyette Helayne. As the spiritual matriarch of her family, she instilled moral values and promoted education in her children. She inspired and encouraged them to pursue high scholastic achievement. She was very proud of their many accomplishments. She was truly a devoted wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother and a comforting nurturer, always sacrificing to ensure that her family needs were met. Sandra received her early education from Central Elementary School, Enterprise, MS and Smith County School District, Taylorsville, MS. She graduated from Enterprise High School, Enterprise, MS, in 1972 with high honors. She went on to attend Tougaloo College, majoring in • Political Science. She completed her course in December 1975 earning a Bachelor's degree, graduating Sum Cum Laude in the Spring of 1976. With degree in hand, she began her professional career as a Customer Service Representative for South Central Bell/ATT. After 30 years of service, she retired from BellSouth/ ATT. While attending Tougaloo, she was initiated in Gamma Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Spring 1973. In December 11 1983, she, along with 17 others, heeded to the call to render service in the Meridian area, chartering the Omicron Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. As a chapter member, she held several officer and committee member positions, particularly the scholarship committee. She took great pride in building a Alpha Kappa Alpha Legacy, with both of her daughters becoming members in college and she enjoyed attending Southeastern Regional Conferences with her daughters. Having over 25 years of service, she was also recognized as a Silver Soror and a Lifetime Member. As a strong supporter of HBCUs, she was a Life Member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association and a hard worker of the Meridian Lauderdale County Alumni Chapter. She was a strong promoter of higher education by helping students receive scholarships, particularly to Tougaloo, Jackson State and other HBCUs. She was also a member of the Viscountess' Civic & Social Club and the Council of Organization. One of her favorite past times was traveling near and far to support Jackson State University Athletic Programs with her husband. She leaves to cherish her memories, her two loving and devoted daughters: Sanyika Lokassa Keyes of Cincinnati, OH and Monyette Helayne Davis of Madison, MS; a granddaughter Moniyah Helayna Davis; a grandson George Dexter Davis, U; 2 brothers Joe Bennie (Doris) King, Huntsville, AL and Kelvin Daniel King, Jackson, MS; 2 sisters Carol Faye Doby, Stonewall, MS and Y o\anda K. Jones, Columbus, MS; 4 brother-in-laws brothers Willie J. (Retha) Keyes of Williamsport, PA, Corby L. Keyes of Bethlehem, PA, Robert (Patricia) Keyes of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Jairus (Patricia) Keyes of Shreveport, LA; 2 sister-in-laws Ruth (Darious) Edmonson of Enterprise, MS, Noble Ruth Gamble of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Bennie King, Jr., mother Henrietta Blanks King, brother Carl Ray King, father-in-law Rev. Manhew Keyes, mother-in-law Fannie Nobles Keyes, 3 brother-in-laws Roy Keyes, Samuel Karl Doby and Kenneth A. Jones.

Mrs. Sandra L. King Keyes

April 12, 1954 - April 16, 2017