Edith Mae (McCloyn) Keys

Life’s Reflections

Edith Mae McCloyn Keys, age 93, passed from this life on November 10, 2020 at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

She was born January 2, 1927 in Dumas, Arkansas to Saul H. McCloyn and Arzenia Jones.

She confessed her life in Christ at the age of 15.  She was baptized under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Given Williams at New Bethel Church in Tillar, Arkansas.

In 1944, Edith was united in marriage to Samuel Keys Jr. and remained married until he preceded her in death in 1972.

From 1944 to 1967, she lived in Tallulah, LA, and Epps (Plantations), LA.  In 1968, brothers, John and Jermiah McCloyn moved her to Kansas City, Kansas.  She and her family united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she remained a member until death.

Edith loved her church, the members of her church and always encouraged others.  She served faithfully as a member of the Usher Board, Sunday Church School and the Mission Department until her health began to decline.

She was employed with St. Margaret Hospital, and Providence Medical Center for 24 years as a main cook.  Everyone loved her cooking.  She was the mother of seven children.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather, three sisters, and eight brothers, and one son, Sam Allen Keys III.

She is survived by three daughters, Betty Keys of Carson, CA, Beatrice Keys of KCKS, and Kathy Keys of Nashville, TN.  three sons; YaYa Waqiah (Wendi), Robert Keys; and Larry Keys (Tina) all of Kansas City, KS; three sisters, Mildred Hooper of St. Louis, MO; Jackie Johnson (Pastor Lawrence) Liberal, KS; and Ida Gray of Adelanto, CA); three brothers; James McCloyn (Grace) of Gardena, CA, Rudy McCloyn (Helen) of Gresham, OR; and Roy Johnson (“Punch”) of Lewisville, TX.

She is also survived by a family tree of three generations, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. There remain a great number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

The three constants in Edith’s life were her children, her faith in Jesus Christ, and her love of sports.  She was a fan of college basketball, football, and never missed watching a Chief game or a baseball, Royal game.

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