Ora May Keys

Ora May Horton Keys passed away peacefully on August 12, 2022, at her home surrounded by family members. She was born in a small town in the heart of the Mississippi Delta on March 6, 1931. She was the youngest of nine children raised on the family’s cotton farm. Ora May played competitive basketball from 4th grade through college and graduated valedictorian of her high school class. She studied nursing at a college that is now part of University of Alabama at Birmingham and was elected class president. In Birmingham, she met her future husband Jim Keys. After they were married, they moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she began her career in nursing. She continued in this field when they moved to St. Petersburg.

When she became a parent, Ora May left her nursing career to concentrate on being a full-time mother. The family had several moves from St. Pete to New Orleans, Bradenton and back to Jacksonville before arriving in Tallahassee in 1976. In each community, she devoted much time to the PTA organizations for her children’s schools and to the Presbyterian churches she joined. She assumed various leadership roles including Elder, Deacon, Choir member, PW Circle member and Senior Friend in her church and was PTA President.

In Tallahassee, she joined the Tallahassee Women’s Newcomers’ Club and soon was serving as president. She and Jim served as “hosts/tour guides” for the Tours of Tallahassee through the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. When Ora May decided to take bridge lessons, she learned the card game which would become an integral part of her life for over forty years. Some of the bridge groups she belonged to today originated in the early 1980’s.

For over thirty years, Ora May served as the Wedding Coordinator for Fellowship Presbyterian Church, lovingly guiding couples on their special day. She also assisted couples as Wedding Coordinator at other venues in Tallahassee, Monticello, and Thomasville. Ora May was busy almost every weekend in the 80’s and 90’s with her involvement in many weddings.

Ora May and Jim were founding and charter members of Fellowship Presbyterian Church. Most recently she was a tremendous help with planning celebrations honoring her church’s anniversary. Through her vast historical knowledge of her church’s past, she played an important role in organizing this celebration and willingly served as a member of the 40th Anniversary Committee to mark this special occasion.

As an excellent cook, much of her time was spent in her beloved kitchen preparing food for family and friends. Her “recipe book binder” is a treasured family heirloom we will cherish as we remember her through her love of cooking.

Ora May lost her beloved husband Jim in 2001, and is survived by her three children, two grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Her son Glen Keys (Shirley), daughters Janice East (Jeff) and Emily Denise Wright (Colin). Grandchildren Justin East (Colleen) and Lucy Wright, and great-granddaughters Cali East and Willa Rose East.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Big Bend Hospice for their assistance and support, with a special thank you to Big Bend Hospice nurse Heather, James (social worker), and Elaine (nursing aide assistant). The genuine care and empathy shown to our mother and entire family is so appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to Big Bend Hospice or Fellowship Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee. The family will be receiving guests for visitation at Fellowship Presbyterian Church immediately after the service. The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date.