Betty Jo Key

Born in Warren, Arkansas Betty Jo Key entered into this world on July 8th, 1931. She was the 7th child (out of 11 children), the 4th

daughter of Leonard, Sr. and Mattie Beatrice Key.

Her childhood was filled with many adventures, including her parents moving the family from Arkansas to Portland, Oregon in 1941.

During this time another daughter, Elizabeth Jackson, came into the family. The Key’s shared a special bond and was an extremely

close-knit family. The family also had a small tenure during the 50’s at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Mother Betty Jo Key was very talented growing up, specifically in the area of music. Her father noticed her talents and allowed her to

take piano lessons. As a young girl and into young adulthood, her parents instilled in her and her siblings, a deep love for the Lord and

more specifically working for the Kingdom of God. One of her first ministry assignments included coordinating and hosting Vacation

Bible School.

If you knew Mother Betty Jo Key, you know she was fascinated with jewelry, make up and more importantly, Pageants! As a young

woman, she helped host the Church of God In Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) pageants held to help raise

funds for the church. The ability to touch young people’s lives brought her much joy.

Another love for the women of the Key family, and most certainly a household requirement, was the traditional hosting of any person

in need. Before 24 hour restaurants were available, the Key Family home hosted spectacular dinner events as well as provided lodging

and spiritual fellowship. Of course, being a Key sister, Mother Betty Jo Key participated in numerous events including; The Annual

Sunrise Christmas Breakfasts, Trip-Around-The-World and the 12 Tribes of Israel Fundraisers.

Known for the ‘Key Family’ hospitality, she applied herself diligently under the leadership of Bishop W.L. McKinney at Zion Hill

C.O.G.I.C. and McKinney Temple C.O.G.I.C.; Bishop Toliver at First C.O.G.I.C. (Alaska) Bishop H.B. Daniels, Sr. at Mount Calvary

C.O.G.I.C.; Bishop A.R. Hopkins, Sr. at Solid Rock C.O.G.I.C. and Dr. W.G. Hardy, Jr. at Highland Christian Center.

Mother Key never was one to shy away from teaching the word of God. She ministered the word of God in season and out of season to

all who would hear. Whether it was a women’s conference, Sunday night service or her family dining room. Mother Key would tell you

what thus said the Lord! Many can tell the story of how she opened her home, her heart and her life to helping those that were poor in

spirit through God’s word. The support she gave made any psychiatrist or doctors seem menial as she ministered led by the Spirit of God.

Vivid in personality and vivacious in character, Mother Betty Jo Key always wanted to look her best and loved her costume jewelry,

AVON products, wearing flowers in her hair, custom hats, Fashion Fair Rouge and her perfume of choice, White Linen. Many a time

she would send for her favorite items from Meier and Frank or to the Lloyd Center for her favorite Caramel Pecan Popcorn.

As she began her descent from this earth, her body may have been broken but her spirit was still on fire. Throughout her time at the

hospitals, nursing homes and specialized care facilities, she testified about God’s power to the nurses, caregivers, doctors, residents and

anyone who would listen. She played the piano or keyboard and sang God’s praises as only she could. Her time in each facility blessed

those around her.

She has been proceeded into glory by her Father, Leonard Key, Sr.; her mother, Mattie Beatrice Key; 3 brothers- Leonard Jr., Homer and

Joe Key and 5 Sisters- Edith Mae and La Frances Key, Ernie Lewis, Mattie Delores Munson and Elizabeth Jackson.

She is remembered on earth by her brother Walter Key (Lilly), Sisters Mae Key and Mary Thomas of Portland, OR; Daughter JoAnna Hill

(Marlon) of Vallejo, CA; Grandson Cupid Alexander (Kelly) of Portland, OR; Granddaughter Brandy Alexander of Los Angeles, CA;

Great-Grandchildren: Kamaya Amor, DeMarcos, Yael, Matai and Tavion and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends.

I have fought a good fight, I finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which

the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. 2 Timothy 4:8

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.