Eleanor M. Key

Ms. Key was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of German immigrants Anna Therese Wilhemine Vandersee and Emil Theodore Radtke. She was one of three children, along with her brother Carl William Radtke and sister Hildegard Edelmann, who predeceased her.

She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, in 1957 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She later earned her M.A. (1983) and Ed.S. (1987) in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and became a certified Reading Specialist in 1984.

Her final teaching position was with the Birmingham Board of Education’s Chapter I program at Council Elementary School from 1985 to 1991. There, she was instrumental in implementing the school’s first after-school program for parents, “REACH,” reflecting her deep commitment to her students’ welfare and academic success. In 1991, she was nominated for the Birmingham Public Schools Teacher of the Year Recognition Program. Although her teaching career began in 1957, teaching continued throughout her life as she balanced work and family.

A gifted pianist who loved both classical and gospel music, she began violin studies as a child and, at 19, studied piano under one of Chicago’s renowned gospel musicians.

With her husband, John Robert Key, she graduated from The Salvation Army’s Officer Training School in Chicago and together they served in ministry for many years. They were blessed with five children: Deborah Devore, Benjamin Key (Augustina), Stephen Key, Angela O’Rourke (John), and John David Key. She is also survived by her brother, Carl William Radtke, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

She devoted her life to helping children believe in themselves. She felt her greatest reward was when they no longer needed her. She was a woman of great faith, strength, courage, and love.

The family is planning a private memorial.

Donations may be made in Ms. Eleanor Key’s memory to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.