Tributes

“…Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 1st Lady Minister Belinda James Keyes began her earthly journey on September 18, 1952 to Beulah Canty in Brooklyn, NY. She was the granddaughter of the late Deacon Claven James and Mother Rosa Mae James. On Thursday, April 3, 2014, she heeded to the Master’s voice and transitioned from labor to reward. She met the love of her life, Pastor Shelton Ray Keyes and they became one on December 1, 1990. They were blessed with three beautiful children. At an early age, she became a member of Promiseland Church of Christ, DOC in Jamesville, NC. In 1990, she rededicated her life to the Lord. She served loyally, devotedly, and diligently as a member of the Sr. Choir, Praise and Worship Team, the Celestials and the Groundkeeper Ministry. On August 25, 2012, she accepted her calling into the ministry. She received her education from Prospect Heights High School in Brooklyn, NY. She attended Martin Community College in Williamston, NC. She was scheduled to be one of the upcoming graduates of the United Fellowship Foundation Assembly School of Theology. She was employed at Ithica, Perdue, Central Soya and Martin General Hospital. In 2005, she accepted her new role in life as her and Pastor Keyes accepted their Godly assignment at Hickory Grove Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ. She was more than just a 1st Lady - she served diligently in the ministry. She was a member of the HGC Mass Choir, Praise and Worship Ministry, Women’s Fellowship, Children’s Church, and so many more capacities. She will forever be remembered for her zeal for the things of God, her love for people, her desire to give even if it was her last, her elegant style of dress, her words of encouragement no matter what the situation was at the time after talking to her –you could always leave feeling like a winner. She was preceded in death by her brother Anthony Canty. She leaves to cherish and treasure her memories: her husband Pastor Shelton R. Keyes of the home; two daughters, Elisha Manning (Gregory),Greensboro, NC, Jeannine Ishmael of the home; one son; Shahvonn Keyes of Clearwater, FL; a Goddaughter; Nikitia Whitehurst of Fayetteville, NC; three grandchildren: Jaylin Manning, Jaivon Manning and Kaiya Keyes; three aunts; Dollie Lee Armstrong, Blondie Mae Davenport, Della Harrell; four sisters-in-law; Marilyn Spruill, Regina Keyes, Donna Butler, Dorethea Keyes; two brothers-in-law, Gerald Keyes (Cynthia), Stanley McNair (Margie); her godchildren/grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, family and friends.

Tributes

Minister Belinda James Keyes

September 18, 1952 - April 3, 2014