Mrs. Alfoncya Keys

Going Home Celebration Of Mother Alfoncya Keys : I, Alfoncya Knight-Keys was born to John and Mary-Elayn Knight on November 1, 1923 in Soso, Mississippi. I was a farmer’s daughter the third born of seven children. I was educated in the Jones County School District. In June 1942, I married Joseph Broomfield Keys. We moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1953 from Soso, Mississippi with our four small children. After moving to Detroit, we were blessed with five more children and our grandson William (Scooby) Keys who we raised. I accepted Christ at an early age and I was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. I worked outside the home as a nurses’ assistant for many years while raising my children. I loved to cook, sew, and garden. My home was affectionately known as the Keys' Hotel. As my children married or moved out of the house, I still wanted to make sure they had a place to call home. In 1956, my husband and I helped with the establishment, and I named what is now known as Third New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, currently under the leadership of Pastor E. L. Branch. I was always very active in the church and I served as Usher Board President, Choir President, Nurses Guild President and a member of the mother’s board. I was President of the Missionary Society from 1974 and served as the President until my health failed in 2004. I was also the Treasurer of the Uplift and President of the District Nurses Ministry in the BM&E state convention. I attended my first National Baptist Convention in 1964 and loved the experience so much that I would pack my suitcase three weeks in advance. After my first attendance, I would save all year round to attend every September and I continued going for 39 years until I could no longer attend due to my failed health. I was very proud to represent my church at the convention. I also enjoyed attending our Knight Family Reunions and I made my children go with me. I looked forward to seeing my sisters and my cousins from Erie, PA. I am going to really miss these bi-annual events where I always led the reunion song “You Just Well Live In Union.” I will always be there in spirit. I loved my children, grand and great-grandchildren and they all loved me. I gave everyone a nick-name and everyone I gave a nick-name to fit them to a “T.” On my birthday in 2004 my children gave me an eightieth (80) birthday party and invited members of my beloved church family, biological family, and friends. A sledge hammer couldn’t have gotten the huge smile off my face I had because all the people I love were helping me celebrate this great milestone in my life. On October 1, 2016 at 9:10 a.m. in Sinai-Grace Hospital Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave me my wings.

Mrs. Alfoncya Keys

November 1, 1923 - October 1, 2016