Susan Barr MacGillis Key passed into her Heavenly Father’s arms, after a long battle with Lupus, on March 21, 2021. Her family was by her side, holding her hands as she went to be with her Lord and Savior.
Susan was born on January 27, 1946 in Centralia, Illinois. She got to Texas as quickly as she could where she called Houston her home for the majority of her life. But she never lost her love of Illinois and snow! She graduated from South Houston High School in 1964. Susan then attended San Jacinto College where she learned her administrative and bookkeeping skills.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Nell C. Barr and Merritt W. Barr, her first husband, Donald Joseph MacGillis and brother, David A. Barr.
Susan and Melvin Key lived a full life and shared a blended family together. Together they raised five children and saw their family grow and shared a wonderful life. The oldest of the five siblings, Cindy Sperry is married to her husband Mark Sperry and they currently reside in Iowa. Lisa MacGillis Key Baerenwald and her husband, Mark Baerenwald live in Houston, David Joseph MacGillis Key and his wife Yvette Key live in Dallas, Kenneth R. Key and his wife Chrystal Key live in Mt. Belvieu and the youngest of the five children, Christopher Melvin Key is at peace with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Susan worked together with her husband as they ran their CPA firm in Bellaire, Texas for many years. She also owned a bookkeeping and photography business.
Susan, better known as “Nanny” was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters and another great-granddaughter on the way. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy! They are Josh Baerenwald and wife Susan, Luke Baerenwald, Dillon Key and his wife Katie, Austin Key and his wife Tori, Seth Key and his wife Madison, Tyler Key, Sarah Baerenwald, Conner Key, Emma Key, Yana Sperry and Braden Jordan.
Susan was first and foremost a devoted mother, grandmother and wife. She especially loved her role as Nanny! She had a vivacious, strong and beautiful personality. Her beautiful smile and caring heart made everyone always feel at home and was always looking to make someone laugh! Susan was constantly there to support and help her family and friends. This was her calling, to make a positive difference in the world and to help those in need. She left a lasting legacy of commitment to family, unity and respect for all. She was an incredibly strong woman and was fierce, yet gentle, and extremely protective of her family, friends and of what she believed was right in the world.
Until Lupus made it impossible to travel, she enjoyed traveling with Melvin in their RV, with grandchildren and taking spontaneous road trips to go find snow! She had a passion for photography and saw the beauty in everything. But most of all, Susan relied on her faith in Jesus Christ to get her through hard times and taught her family how to love and forgive. She left a lasting legacy of strength, courage and respect for others. She was our family’s rock, our foundation and the glue that bound us all together.
Susan had a passion to help others, but also to help those animals that were lost and needed a forever home. She loved “Beau”, her little rescue dog and her faithful companion. He is missing her already! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to her favorite charity, Abandoned Animal Rescue, at AARTexas.org.
Our family is committed to make her proud by carrying on her legacy of strength, love, caring for others and family devotion. We love you Mom and Nanny. You will be missed!!
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