Mr. M.H. Keyes' Obituary
M.H. Keyes was born in Taylorsville, Mississippi to the late Rev. Matthew and Fannie Nobles Keyes on October 10, 1950. He was the seventh of eight children. He departed this life on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at his residence. Guided by his spiritual GPS, he was led down the path of righteousness. He began his Christian journey at an early age, accepting Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and becoming a member of the Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Taylorsville, MS. Upon moving to Enterprise, MS, he united with the Old Enterprise Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon. When moving to Meridi-an, MS, he united with the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in many ministries. He served as a Deacon and as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry for many years. In addition, he was Laymen Director, Christian Education Ministry President, Sunday School Teacher, weekly Bible Study Teacher and member of the choir. He had a genuine passion for teaching and learning God's Word. Studying to show himself approved, he traveled across the nation to take Christian Educational courses. He 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. He taught in the East Mississippi Baptist State Congress of Christian Education. As an active Layman, he is 1st Vice President of the East Mississippi Baptist State Laymen's Movement and is Director of the Second New Hope District Laymen's Movement. He always stood strong on his Baptist Doctrine beliefs. While in college, M H met and dated Sandra L King. On December 28, 1975, they were united in the holy state of matrimony. To this un-ion, two daughters were born, Sanyika Lokassa and Monyette Helayne. As the spiritual patriarch of his family, he instilled moral values and promoted education in his children. He inspired and encouraged them to pursue high scholastic achievement. He was a hard worker of the Meridian/ Lauderdale County Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and was president elect of the chapter. He was a strong support-er of promoting higher education by helping students receive scholarships, particularly to Jackson State and other HBCUs. As one on his endeared past times and hobbies, he traveled near and far to support Jackson State University Athletic Programs. For over 30 years, he was a football reserved season ticket holder. Upon retirement, he became a faithful basketball season ticket holder. He continued to show his solidarity in retirement as an active participant in the Central Mississippi UAW Retirees. A "classic man", he was a member of the Viscounts Civic & Social Club and the Council of Organization. M H received his early education from Smith County School District, Taylorsville, MS. He graduated from Central High School, Enterprise, MS, in 1968. He went on to attend Jackson State University, majoring in History. While working his way through college at UPS, in 1973 he earned his Bachelor's Degree. With degree in hand, he began his professional career as an educator in the Quitman School District. He later began working for Delco Remy America, a division of General Motors. After 30 years of service, he retired from General Motors in 2006. With his love for cooking, he continued his studies at Meridian Community College m Culinary Arts, where he was induct-ed into the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. As a strong supporter of his alma mater, he was a Life Member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. He was a hard worker of the Meridian/ Lauderdale County Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and was president elect of the chapter. He was a strong supporter of promoting higher education by helping students receive scholarships, particularly to Jackson State and other HBCUs. As one on his endeared past times and hobbies, he traveled near and far to support Jackson State University Athletic Programs. For over 30 years, he was a football reserved season ticket holder. Upon retirement, he became a faithful basketball season ticket holder. He continued to show his solidarity in retirement as an active participant in the Central Mississippi UAW Retirees. A "classic man", he was a member of the Viscounts Civic & Social Club and the Council of Organization. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Sandra Lucille King Keyes, two daughters: Sanyika Lokassa Keyes of Alexandria, LA and Monyette Helayne (George Dexter) Davis of Madison, MS; a granddaughter Moniyah Helayna Davis; a grandson George Dexter Davis, II; 2 sisters Ruth (Darious) Edmonson of Enterprise, MS, Noble Ruth Gamble of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 4 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; aunt Juamta Keyes; brothers-in-law, Joe Bennie (Doris) King, Huntsville, AL and Kelvin Daniel Kmg, Jackson, MS; sisters-in-law, Carol Faye Doby, Stonewall, MS and Yolanda (Kenneth) Jones Columbus MS and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Rev. Matthew Keyes, mother Fannie Nobles Keyes, brother Roy Keyes, father-in-law, Bennie King Jr., mother-in-law, Henrietta Blanks King and brother-in-law, Carl Ray King.
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