Evelyn Elaine Keys

Evelyn Elaine Keys was born in New Bern, NC on October 1, 1944 to Romey and Thelma Green Keys of Blounts Creek, NC. She was the youngest of three (3) children. God called her home on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from her earthly home.

She grew up in Blounts Creek, NC and graduated from S. W. Snowden High School in Aurora, NC in 1962. Evelyn graduated from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with a B.A. degree in music. She also received several certificates in church music from Virginia Wesleyan College – Norfolk, VA and Shenandoah Conservatory – Winchester, VA.

As a child, she played the piano for Reedy Branch AME Zion Church in Blounts Creek, NC in which she was a member, and several churches in the surrounding community. As an adult, she worked for the Chesapeake Virginia Public School System as a Music Teacher, she played for several churches in Virginia during her stay there: Brighton Rock AME Zion Church, Portsmouth, Virginia, Second Calvary Baptist Church Male Chorus, Norfolk, VA and Gilmerton Star AME Zion Church, Chesapeake, VA.

After 35 years in Chesapeake, Virginia Public School System, she retired and returned home to Blounts Creek, NC. She played for the AME Zion Washington District Choir and Reedy Branch AME Zion Church until her health failed.
Evelyn leaves to cherish her memories her sister: Gloria Kaye Keyes, sister-in-love, Louise Ushry, two nieces: Demetria Williams and Caroline Wilson, one nephew: Calvin Ushry, Jr., her cousin, Jasper Moore and a host of relatives and friends.

Evelyn’s funeral service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, 12:00pm at Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service with burial taking place immediately following at Pamlico Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held from 10:00am until the funeral hour.

The family would like to give thanks to Jasper Moore, Demetria Williams, Louise Ushry, Velma Cratch, Martez Cratch, Caroline Wilson, Juanita Williams, Angel Sprouse, M. Babashanian and anyone else who helped Gloria During Evelyn’s illness.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to be assisting the Keys family.