Extracted from The Augusta Chronicle (Augusta, GA)
Helen Francis Key
SWAINSBORO, Ga. -- Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors announces the death of Helen Francis Key, age 85, of Swainsboro, GA who passed away on Friday, October 9, 2009, at the Emanuel Medical Center after a brief illness.
Funeral services will be Monday, October 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ronnie Wills and Rev. Bill Woodson officiating. Mrs. Key will lie in state, at the church, for one hour prior to service. Interment will be in the Swainsboro City Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Bullington officiating. The family will receive friends at Durden-Hudson Funeral Home on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 6-8 PM.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Key, Brian Key, Christopher Miller, Craig Buckley, Grant Buckley, Richard Smith, Miles Williams and Austin Williams. Honorary Escorts will be the Key Notes: Johnny Shuman, Dess Smith and Judge Bobby Reeves. Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Flanders-Hall Sunday School Class.
Mrs. Key was retired as Personnel Manager from Argo Mills, and was a long-time active member of the Swainsboro First United Methodist church. She was a gifted musician and teacher, a choir member, played piano for Sunday School and Church, taught Sunday School in both Youth and Adult Departments. Mrs. Key was active in the United Methodist Women serving as President and Vice President and holding numerous offices of the years. She served on many committees of the church, and was actively serving on the Missions Committee, participated in 6 short-term mission projects in the Central American countries. Mrs. Key was a member of the Ida Bell Williams Book Club and served on the Emanuel County Library Board. She was Rotary Sweetheart and played piano for the club's weekly meeting for 25 years, was chosen as Swainsboro's Lady of the Year by Beta Sigma Phi. Mrs. Key founded and played piano for the Keynotes Quartet and helped originate the Key Girls' Tea Party, an annual benefit for children in need.
She was preceded in death by her parents Scott and Ava Harris Francis her husband; Woodruff D. Key, first husband; Leroy Williams and brother; Mark Francis.
Survivors include: One Foster Daughter: Connie Owen of AR; One Step-Daughter: Fay Key of Scott, GA.; One Step-Son and Daughter-In-Law: Denny and Peggy Key of Swainsboro, GA.; 2 Step-Grandchildren: Dennis Key of Statesboro, GA and Brian and Karol Key of Swainsboro, GA.; 3 Step-Great-Grandchildren: Lainey Key, Evans Key and Etta Key.
Should friends desire memorials contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 319 W. Main St. Swainsboro, GA 30401
Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.durden-hudsonfuneraldirectors.com.
Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Helen Francis Key of Swainsboro, GA.
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Sunday, October 11, 2009