Lenwood D. Keys, Sr.

Lenwood Dawes Keys, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on December 17, 2024. He was born on
November 4, 1923, to the late Rev. William Keys and Estelle James Keys in Jamesville, NC.

In 1943 Lenwood joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He met his wife, Wilma L.
Keys, while working a summer job in Manteo, NC. They married on September 11, 1947. They had three
sons Willie, Lenwood Jr., and Maurice.

After moving to Washington, DC, Lenwood enrolled at Howard University where he earned Master’s
Degree in Micro Biology. He worked as a Microbiologists for 30 years before retiring. After retirement
Lenwood became a substitute teacher with DC Public Schools.

Lenwood was preceded in death by his wife of 77 years, his parents, siblings; William, Melford, Robert,
and Doris, and God-daughter Benita Jones. He leaves to cherish his memory 3 sons; Willie (Wanda)
Meekins, Lenwood (Joyce) Keyes, Jr., and Maurice (Shawn) Keys 3 nieces; Theresa Keys, Adrian
Shockley, Thelma (Jessie) Owens 8 nephews; Gregory Davenport (Kimberly), Noland Keys, Eric Keys,
Terry Keys, Robert Keys, Jr., Gerald Keys, Ronnie Keys, and Jason Keys: 10 grand-children; Willie
Meekins Jr., Lisa Seegers, Nichelle Hilton, Donald McCoy, DeBraire Meekins, Erika Keyes, Shontelle
Bishop, Jana Mayo, Aidan Keys, and Landon Keys, God-daughter Carol Muleta, 13 great-
grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren, and a host of other nieces, nephews, and relatives and
friends.

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