Mary Alice Key, 96, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20th, with her loving family by her side. Born on August 9, 1928, in Marshall, North Carolina, Mary Alice made Virginia Beach her home for the past 75 years, building a life full of love, faith, and service.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, known by all who loved her for her deep faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering selflessness. Her kindness touched everyone she met. A founding member of Foundry United Methodist Church, Mary Alice poured her heart into the church community she cherished since it began in 1958.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, James W. Key—the love of her life—as well as her parents, Ethel Henderson Stradling and Earl Leroy Stradling; her brother, Buell Earl Stradling; and her sister, Velma Cason.
Mary Alice is survived by her two daughters, Donna Key Couch and Darlene Key Lowder (Lee); her sister, Angie Chambers (Thomas Cruz); her grandson, Michael Dow Taft, Jr. (Melissa); and her two great-granddaughters, Natalie and Vanessa Taft. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, all of whom brought her great joy.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Tina Glasper, her beloved personal aide, along with the caring teams at Commonwealth Kings Grant Assisted Living and Medi Home Health and Hospice. Your kindness and support meant the world to Mary Alice and her family.
