Ms. Eartha Mae Key

Eartha Mae Key was born August 5, 1960, in Meridian, Mississippi to Willie Sr. and Pauline Key. Eartha received the salvation of Christ at a young age of eight years old as a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Meridian High School, Class of 1978, and attended Jackson State University, where she was a proud member of the Sonic Boom marching band. Eartha's love for the Sonic Boom continued throughout her life, compelling her to participate in the Alumni Band throughout several decades. Eartha later continued her college matriculation and graduated from Mississippi State University, where she completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies receiving both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. Professionally, Eartha has served in Meridian and surrounding areas working in Data Administration at Ochsner Rush Health Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi and the Meridian Public Schools System. She later served as a Social Worker for DHS and as an Executive Administrative Assistant for Freedom Rock Cathedral. She utilized every professional experience to be as impactful to people as possible. Through her earthly ministry, Eartha has been a mentor of many, spanning decades. She served God faithfully and loved unconditionally without measure; and seized every opportunity to share her testimony and God's love with every person she encountered. Eartha was licensed to preach at Freedom Rock Cathedral, under the auspices of her son, Bishop LaBaron Hedgemon, and had completed all requirements for ordination before her transition. She served faithfully in many capacities in the spirit of excellence and as unto the Lord for the assemblies in which she held membership. Eartha achieved one of her lifelong dreams of membership into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in April of 2019; where she served as the Meridian Alumnae Chapter Chaplain until her transition. She transitioned from this earthen life to a life more eternal on Friday, February 17, 2023, at Ochsner Rush Health Hospital, Meridian. A time to mourn; preceded in death by her father Willie Key, Sr., she leaves to cherish her memories, her mother, Pauline; her sons, LaBaron (Michelle), Marcus (Paige) and Wayne (Jennifer); her brothers Willie Key, Jr. and Thomas (Aisha); her beloved grandchildren Alaysia,, Kristofer, Marcus, BaLeigh, Peyton, Corinthian, BJ, and Xavier; two aunts, one uncle and one great uncle; one niece and two nephews; and a host of many bonus siblings, children and grandchildren. Eartha lived a full and purposeful life of servitude to God, family, friends and the body of Christ, and she positively touched the lives of everyone she met. She has left an indelible mark on the lives of each, which will last a lifetime. Life is much better because she passed this way. Life's race well run, Life's work well done, Life's victory won, Now cometh rest.

Ms. Eartha Mae Key

August 5, 1960 - February 17, 2023