Marilynn Thomas Keys, 93, died May 13, 2017 at House of Three in Hot Springs, AR. She was the daughter of David Calvin and Madge Berry Thomas born July 14, 1923 in Little Rock. She married Thomas Burl Keys, Sr on October 7, 1945 in Gurdon. She is preceded in death by Thomas in 1998 and daughter Anna L Keys in 1984.
Marilynn is survived by sons Thomas B Keys, Jr of Hot Springs and John David Keys (Gayle) of Hot Springs; grandsons Adam L Keys of Dallas and Kristopher T Keys (Candyce) of Hot Springs; great grandchildren Brandon, Zoie and Trent Keys of Hot Springs; brother Duane Thomas (Mildred) of Maben, MS; nephew Charles Thomas of Texas and niece Jackie Thomas of MS.
Marilynn retired as Professor Emeritus from UALR with 45 years of service. She graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1939 and entered OBU graduating in 1942. She obtained her first masters degree from Columbia University in New York City 1943 and second masters from Memphis State University in 1959.
Services will be in Little Rock at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 under the direction of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home with a graveside service at Roselawn Memorial Park, 2801 Asher Ave., Little Rock with Bro. Ray Higgins officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Marilynn T Keys Scholarship at UALR.
To express condolences and sign the online guestbook, visit www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home.
June 22, 2017
Carla
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Marilynn. May your memory of her comfort your heart and God help your family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13
May 19, 2017
Jacqueline Willis
I had the privilege of taking English from Mrs. Keys during my freshman year. Not only did I learn to write, she made it interesting and fun. She was a gracious and sweet lady who always had a smile to share. Mrs. Keys touched many lives during her tenure at UALR and she will be greatly missed.
May 17, 2017
Marilynn Keys was a lady of kindness, intelligence, dignity, and service to her church. The decades she spent as a professor were decades in a career where she was of service to others. Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless everyone who Mrs. Keys loved. May God bless everyone who loved Mrs. Keys.
Steve Safferstpme
May 16, 2017
Ariel Mattive
I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Keys for the first time, during the first semester, of my freshman year, at UALR. I didn't know who she was at the time, but something told me, that I ought to get to know her, and talk with her, more. So, I actually said a prayer, asking to let me become friends, with her. Sure enough, it happened. Every morning, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we would talk, before our classes started. She was auditing Art History courses, and I thought it was very interesting, since my major is Studio Art. Our conversations varied, from one interesting topic, to another.
I found out, we were practically neighbors, too! So, from time to time, I would go and visit her. It was always a pleasure. She led a very colorful life and I loved hearing her stories. She was a kind and caring lady. I know her students, must have really enjoyed her courses. She really took an interest, in every person, she met. I could see this, for sure. She was also, very helpful, if I needed suggestions, in my own writing.
I wish I could have visited with her, one last time, as we often think, but as we all know, life gets in the way, at times. However, I will never forget her. I hope she's up there, sharing her knowledge with others. Both my Mom and I, would like to send our condolences, to the family. She was a special person, who touched our lives, in many ways.
May 16, 2017
Vicki Plant
Goodbye, Mrs. Keys. I enjoyed the time we spent talking about cooking and books. You were a lovely, gracious lady and a good friend.
May 16, 2017
Aliceann Munson
With Sympathy,
Lee and Aliceann Munson
May 16, 2017
Hatim Smouni
Thomas, I am very sorry for your loss and may your mother rest in peace. Keeping your family in our prayers.
May 16, 2017
Michael Smedley
Marilynn Keys was a ray of sunshine at the House of Three. We were privileged to journey with her during the sunset of her life and witnessed her gift of offering teachable moments to all of us here. Ms. Marilynn touched us with her humorous wit, her gratitude, her contentment of having lived a fruitful and colorful life. Now our Lord has welcomed her home into Heaven. We loved her and we will miss her. What a lady!
House of Three
May 15, 2017
Iris Toombs
Marilynn and I were first cousins and grew up together in Curtis. She was a very loving, caring person. I wish I could attend her funeral but I am now 90 years old and physically unable. I will remember you in my thoughts and prayers. Iris Thomas Toombs
May 15, 2017
Roslyn Knutson
I taught with Marilynn from the day I joined the faculty in 1963 until she retired. She had a well-earned reputation as gracious, caring, knowledgeable, and demanding. Her classes in mythology were unique in English Departments, and hers were always in demand. She was herself an excellent writer and required that of her students. She served the department in committee work and the like with attention and without complaint. No one read more than she did. No one gave more unstintingly of her time and expertise.
May 15, 2017
Joanne Matson
Marilynn was a beautiful, dignified soul. Her love of literature and her love for her students was already a legacy when I first arrived at UALR in 1983. I hope her last years were comfortable. May her memory be a blessing to her family, friends, and colleagues.
May 15, 2017
Prudence Martin
I am so sorry for your loss of Mrs. Keys. She was my professor in freshman English in 1970. She was the most kind and caring person. I've remembered her so fondly through all the years. I came to UALR from a tiny rural school in southeast Arkansas, so I was very apprehensive at being in Little Rock and at UALR. But she was so nurturing and comforting. I was very proud to be from a small school, yet be able to make A's in her class. She touched my life so much, and I'll always remember her. My deepest sympathy to you. May peace and comfort be with you.
May 15, 2017
Paul Yoder
I met Marilynn when I got to UA Little Rock in 1992. We often both taught 8:00am classes, and she always brought the strongest coffee that we shared before class. She was well-traveled and had lost of stories. She was greatly missed around the English department.
May 15, 2017
Floyd Martin
Mrs. Keys was a wonderful UALR colleague. She frequently taught a mythology course that students loved. After she retired she audited art history classes that I taught. We had many wonderful conversations about books, art, and history. She touched many lives.
May 15, 2017
Gayla Mattoon
I was fortunate to have Ms. Keys for Comp I as an entering Freshman at UALR. She was an extraordinary teacher who helped restore my confidence in my writing skills and I have thought of her often through the years. I even took Greek and Roman Mythology from her after she returned with some fabulous pictures of her trip to Greece. She had our class to her home and welcomed us so warmly that I will never forget her hospitality. I'm certain that she positively influenced hundreds if not thousands of students lives. My deepest condolences for the family.
May 15, 2017
Jane H Brown
Marilynn Keys was a dedicated teacher and a life-long student of literature and art. I was fortunate to know her in her later years at UALR, and I benefited from her interest in the classes that I taught. She will be remembered fondly by her many students and colleagues.
My sincere condolences to her family in the loss of their loving and lovely mother.
May 15, 2017
MaryAnne Lazarek
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
May 14, 2017
I taught in the English Department at UALR with Marilynn for many years, and missed her when she retired. So sorry to see this news. All sympathy. Marylyn Parins
May 14, 2017
Jerry Murrel
I would like to extend my sympathy to Tom and David Keys in the death of their wonderful mother, Marilyn. I was fortunate enough to know and visit with her many times in her home. She was a very kind, generous and thoughtful woman who was loved by her many students at UALR; students that stayed in touch with her throughout her lifetime. Mrs. Keys was a wonderful conversationalist, and took a genuine interest in young people. I shall miss her very much.
May 14, 2017
Mike and Ann Davis
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. She was a special lady.
May 14, 2017
David Merritt
Tom and John, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.
David Merritt
May 13, 2017
Staff of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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