Mary Eva Key

Mary Eva Lindsey Key, age 98, passed away at her home in Powder Springs, Georgia on April 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Mary Eva was born in Brantley County, Georgia on March 27, 1925, the eldest daughter of the late Everette James and Ora Luke Lindsey. She was married to Rabon Key for 56 years until his death in 2001.

Mary Eva, her late brother, William Howard (Jack) Lindsey and her late sister, Lois McDaniel, were raised in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Mary Eva graduated Fitzgerald High School and was awarded a scholarship at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta but did not have the money for books and supplies so she was not able to attend. Her thirst for knowledge and love of books was unquenchable and she was a self-educated lady who imparted the importance of education to her family. While living in Fitzgerald, she took great pride in earning the role of bank manager for a local bank. After moving to Atlanta, she was one of the few women who had a business career with Draper Owens, managing skyscrapers!

Mary Eva and Rabon were the loving parents of the late Michael Key and Donald Key. She was a devoted wife and mother who loved home- cooking and baking. Their farm in Powder Springs provided lots of turnip greens, lady-finger peas, cantaloupe, watermelon, corn, blueberries and eggs. They also raised registered white-face Hereford cows and Araucana chickens. Going to her house meant leaving with lots of flower cuttings and advice on how to best grow the plants… including talking to them and naming them.

A faithful Christian, she was proud to say that she had started the 42nd reading of her Bible when God took her home. Her strong faith, her daily demonstration of devotion and her effort to be kind to others will be long remembered. Mary Eva was a strong woman with a gentle soul. Despite having several strokes, nothing slowed her down from enjoying life.

Mary Eva is survived by her youngest son, Donald (Sarah) and her three grandchildren, Stephen (Kelly), Alexander and Abigail; her nieces and nephews - Deloice Eva, Chip, Lane, Katherine, Matthew; Joan Marie, Milo, Everett; Carl; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. The service was held at Life's Hope Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia on April 28, 2023. Mary Eva will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, Fitzgerald, Georgia.