November 2, 1947-January 18, 2024
Funeral Services for Evelyn Tims Key, 76, of Jefferson will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at 2pm in the Cpt Wm. Perry Chapel of Haggard Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Ron Danley officiating and under the direction of Haggard Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Marshall. A time of Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 from 5-7pm in the Cpt. Wm. Perry Chapel of Haggard Funeral Home.
Evelyn Tims Key was born on Nov. 2, 1947, to World War II Veteran William Louis Tims Sr. and Patsy Murphy Tims of Marshall, and passed Jan. 18, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hobart Rutherford “Rudd” Key, and brothers Jimmy Don Tims and William “Billy” Louis Tims Jr.
Mrs. Key is survived by her children; Steven Ray Whatley & wife Mirna Whatley, Victoria Whatley Coats & husband James Morriss Coats; Grandchildren; Jonathan McKay Whatley, Marina Rosario, Nathanael “Nate” James Coats, Chastity Coats, and Elijah Coats; Sisters; Dorothy Whatley, Linda Jean Golden, and Tina Sue Elam. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Mrs. Key enjoyed painting, especially Mardi Gras Upriver posters. She studied art and painting under Mary Piland at her art studio. She also enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Jesse Allen Wise Garden Club. Mrs. Key was also fond of traveling with Rudd as they searched for unique antiques. She would decorate the house with their finds, and especially enjoyed decorating for Christmas. Mrs. Key’s creativity grew to eventually include a life size manger scene displayed on their property during the holidays. She enjoyed modeling and the study of etiquette. Mrs. Key volunteered with Rudd in organizing the car show in Jefferson and other charitable events. She was also very fond of the times when her grandchildren were visiting.
Mrs. Key was raised in a Christian Baptist Family. She attended Hillcrest Baptist Church in Marshall, First Baptist Church in Jefferson, and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church where she attended with Rudd. Mrs. Key loved God and her Savior Jesus Christ. She spent many hours in prayer for her family and friends.
Mrs. Key is also remembered by many students of Jefferson High School where she was the principal’s secretary for many years. During this time, she volunteered countless hours to the Jefferson Junior Historians directed by David Robertson. This allowed her to also share special times with her children who were members of the organization.
Pallbearers include: Steven Whatley, James Coats, Luther Wicker, TJ Whatley, Garrett Huntington, Brandt Porter, and Patrick Elam.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.ORG.