Barbara Key

BARBARA JEAN KEY, 84, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2020 surrounded by her family.  The Calhoun County native was born, one of eight, to Johnny Preston  and Mattie Louise Wilkins Hardy.  She retired from JSU from food service, specifically the salad bar.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings: Grace Pinkston and Paul Hardy;  grandson: Matthew Key; and the father of her children: Wallace Burns Key.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Her greatest passions were her love for the Lord, her family, and music.  She sang from the time she got up until she went to bed.  Music truly was her ministry as she touched many lives through song  even singing on the radio as a young girl. She loved nature:  raised birds and had the perfect green thumb.   She was a woman of great humility and compassion for others -always putting everyone  else’s needs before her own. Having been saved as a very young girl, she truly was a Saint of God  who showed wisdom and love throughout her life.                                                      Survivors include her children:  Pam (Mike) Barnwell, Brian Key, Theresa (Dale) Brown, and Melinda (Barry) Davidson; brother:  Troy (Mary) Hardy; sisters:  Joyce Parker, Delana Hardy, Carolyn Smith, and Reeta Golden; grandchildren:  Christy Stewart, Preston Barnwell, Susan Maxwell, Ashley Marvasty, Landon Key, Dustin Brown, Bo Brown, and Lana Brooks; and 12 great grandchildren.                                                                                          A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 1:00 PM with visitation from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Dansby Heritage Chapel. Burial will follow in Jacksonville City Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Preston Barnwell, Dustin Brown, Bo Brown, Landon Key, Tim Brooks, Justin Marvasty, and Brandon Maxwell.                                                                                                                                                                                   Dansby Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Key Family.