Mary Alice

Keys

In humble submission to the will of God we respectfully announce the earthly transition of Ms. Mary Alice Keys on November 3, 2021. She was 93 years old and a native of Washington County, Florida.

Mary Alice was blessed with the breath of life on October 22, 1928, to the parentage of the late Charlie Phillips, Sr. and Jimmie Lou Clark Phillips in Coffee County, Alabama. Being raised in a Christian family, Mary accepted Christ at an early age.

Her family moved to Tallahassee, Florida where she met and married Mr. A.B. Keys. She was blessed with two beautiful daughters from this union: Mary Helen and Jacqueline Keys. Mary Alice or "Keys" as she was affectionately known, worked various jobs in Florida. The family eventually moved to New Jersey. It was at this point she became employed by the Petersons for over 20 years. This family treated her like their own family. She became a Gourmet Chef and would cook everything with style and class. Our family always wanted her to cook for any family event. Keys was truly ahead of her time. We will always remember her as a family person and a great cook.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister: Minnie Lee Phillips Sanders; daughter: Jacqueline K. Sanders, and a son-in-law: Alvin Lofton. She leaves to cherish his memories a beloved daughter: Mary Helen Lofton of East Orange, New Jersey; three grandchildren: Belinda M. Lofton of East Orange, New Jersey, Dorian A. (Robin) Lofton of Irvington, New Jersey, and Antwoin Sanders of Hillside, New Jersey; four great-grandchildren: Terae Lofton, Kyasia Lofton, both of Irvington, New Jersey, Jhsaad Sanders of North Brunswick, New Jersey, and Araya Dixon of Houston, Texas; one great-great grandchild: Anira Sanders of North Brunswick, New Jersey; Sisters: Liza Phillips of Enterprise, Alabama, Margert Wise of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Ruth Phillips of Tallahassee, Florida, Patricia (Raymond) Jackson of Gainesville, Florida, and Viola Phillips of Dothan, Alabama; two brothers: Charlie Phillips Jr. (Charmaine) of Chipley, Florida, Nathaniel Phillips, Caryville, Florida; a special cousin: Brenda Mack (Rev. George) Williams of Dothan, Alabama; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.