Missionary Shirley Ann Allen-Keys Obituary in Marianna at Peoples Funeral Home

Obituary For Missionary Shirley Ann Allen-Keys

Shirley Ann Allen-Keys was born on January 21, 1944, in Delta (Clay-County), Alabama to the late Luchious Allen and the late Effie D. Sears-Hunt.

From an early age, Shirley developed a deep connection to music and ministry, singing alongside her siblings in the popular gospel quartet “The Original Five Gospel Pearls.”

She immediately made her presence known with her bold personality and fearlessness. In 1960, Shirley met the love of her life, Tom Keys Jr. while traveling with her musical group. Their bond grew into a lasting partnership, and the two were married in 1964. Together they built a strong family foundation and were blessed with six children.

In 1971, Shirley and her family relocated to Rochester, New York, where her spiritual journey deepened. She joined Blake’s Temple Church and in 1977 accepted her calling as a missionary. Shirley often described feeling the power of God move through her life as she ministered, prayed, and prophesied.

She served faithfully by directing the choir, establishing a prayer band, and was a part of the jail ministry spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and encouraging others to walk boldly in faith.

While in Rochester, she also formed “The Gospel Pearls” alongside her sister the late Pastor Myra James, the late Dorothy Wells, the late Annie Doris Council & Sue Long. Shirley worked as a nurse’s aide and later in hospitality, until retiring in 1989. She enjoyed cooking and was known for her famous peach cobbler, turkey dressing and pound cake.

After retirement, Shirley embraced a new passion for fashion, selling beautiful garments and hats to women around the world. She took great pride in presenting herself with elegance and confidence. A true diva at heart.

Missionary Shirley Keys was called home Wednesday, February 4, 2026 surrounded by family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Effie D. Hunt and Luchious Allen; Loving husband, the late Tom Keys Jr.; Four sisters, Catherine Cunningham, Nellerine Allen-Jones, Pastor Myra James and Claudia Gilliam; Two brothers, Rev. Bobby Allen and Deacon Paul Hunt; One son, Gregory Keys; One grandson, Lonnie Keys Jr..

Shirley leaves to cherish her precious memories; Three sons, Tom Keys III ( Daphne, Rochester, NY), Cedric L. Keys (Panama City, FL) and Lonnie C. Keys (Panama City, FL); Two daughters, Sundra F. Keys (Warner Robins, GA) and Charlene “Tweet” Keys (Panama City, FL); Two bonus sons, Sedric Pittman (Sharon, Haines City, LA) and Alijah Woodford (Johanna, Rochester, NY); One sister, Gloria Hunt Keith (Dothan, AL); Two brothers, John Hunt (Panama City, FL) and Billy Hunt (Ada, Lineville, AL); Thirteen grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren, great- great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, loved ones, and friends. Shirley will be remembered for her bold faith, her servant’s heart, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the love she poured into her family and community. Her life was a testimony of perseverance, devotion, and purpose.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, style, ministry, and unwavering belief in God. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched, the prayers she prayed, the songs she lifted, and the love she shared so freely

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