Mildred (Sunshine) Violet Key

Mildred Violet Key, nicknamed "Sunshine" by her husband, William "Billy" Key, was promoted to glory on October 14, 2024, in Dublin, GA. Born on March 10, 1924, in Westerville, OH, Sunshine proved Billy wise in his choice of her new identity. From the time she was a ten-year-old she met the light of the world, Jesus, his light shone through her life in such a compelling way that calling her name became a witness to that light that cannot be put out.

A perky cheerleader full of life and energy, Sunshine graduated from Westerville High School. She continued her education at Asbury College (now Asbury University) majoring in English. It was there she met Methodist-pastor-to-be, Billy Key from Adrian, GA. Their close to 70 years of marriage began as he continued his education at Asbury Theological Seminary. While a student Billy initiated his service as a Methodist preacher at the rural Gravel Switch Methodist Church, Gravel Switch, KY. For the next nearly 50 years Sunshine would be his much-loved partner in life and ministry, serving in Waycross, Woodland, St. Mary’s, Waynesboro, Perry, Americus, Tifton, Valdosta, the Dublin district, and retiring from the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church in Savannah.

Sunshine's official occupation was a homemaker. She had all the gifts needed to be a wife, mother, pastor's spouse, and friend to all who came her way. She was a pianist, soloist, Sunday School teacher, seamstress, cook, caring and sometimes demanding mother, and always a supportive wife to her dynamic and delightful husband. In his retirement, Billy preached 200 revivals and campmeetings with Sunshine by his side. In the years since his death, Sunshine has continued to seek to minister to her fellow residents and Addington Place staff. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Preceded in death by her father, Edward Roscoe Sites; mother, Violet Smothers Sands; stepfather, Nelson Sands; husband, William Russell Key, brothers, Edward and Edsel Sites; and son, Scott Key, Sunshine made the most of a life of love and service to Jesus.

Her light and life lives on through her devoted children, Brenda (Don) Adams of Dublin, GA; Danny (Kris) Key of Wilmore, KY; Todd (Janice) Key of Barney, GA; and Betsy (Keith) Moran of Dublin, GA. Sunshine's legacy of faith continues through her 12 grandchildren, 23 great­-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, who all profited by being on her prayer list.

The celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Pine Forest Methodist Church, on Saturday, October 19, 2024. It will be preceded by an internment at Poplar Springs Methodist Church at 9:00 a.m. and a time of visitation at Pine Forest Methodist beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Will Adams, J.D. Moran, Paul Moran, Jeff Key, Joshua Key, Kyle Key, and Chadwick Childs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Pine Forest Methodist Church, Alter Fund, 400 Woods Avenue Dublin, Georgia 3102; Asbury Theological Seminary, Office of Advancement, 204 N. Lexington Ave. Wilmore, KY  40390; or Asbury University, One Macklem Drive Wilmore, Kentucky 40390.

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