Bernice Markham Keyes, 96, died at home on Saturday night, May 20, 2017 surrounded by her family.
Bernice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubbard Hobbs Keyes (Jack); her parents, Charles Carl Markham and Ollie Murphy Markham; two sisters, Geneva Markham Boland and Atha Markham Pickard; and three brothers, Carl Clifford, Edward W., and E.J. Markham.
She is survived by two sons, Richard Edgar Keyes and wife Malinda, William Lewis Keyes and wife Peggy; one daughter, Sherri Keyes Gross; four grandchildren, Ryan Keyes, Will Keyes, Markham Gross, and Sara Gross Lovell (husband, Chip); and six great-grandchildren, Dylan Keyes, Gunter Keyes, Jackson Keyes, Riley Lovell, Bella Lovell, and Elliott Keyes.
She is also survived by several nieces and nephews; one brother-in-law, James Keyes; and one sister-in -law, Jean Keyes.
Bernice was born February 5, 1921, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She was valedictorian of her high school class and captain of her basketball team. She and her husband met while working for Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas and eventually made Athens their permanent home.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was always her first priority. She was a faithful Christian and, until she was unable to attend church, she worshipped at Marion Street Church of Christ.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 24, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home, with a memorial service celebrating her life following at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.Brother Tim Buchanan will be officiating, and interment will be at Athens City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Keyes, Markham Gross, Will Keyes, Chip Lovell, Dylan Keyes, and Sam Keyes.
The family wishes to express great appreciation to all of the caregivers during her illness and to Hospice of Limestone County for their special care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Limestone County, 405 S. Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611
