Mrs. Lois W. Key

****NOTE: Funeral Arrangements & Full Obituary Listed Below*** Lois Wilma Key affectionately known as “Muddy” was born on September 22, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to Wilbur Chapman and Dorothy Swan Chapman. She was raised by her grandmother, Sadie Chapman and her Aunt Thelma “Dee Dee” Robinson. During her time in Chicago, her Aunt taught her how to run multiple family businesses and helped to shape her quick wit and love for family. Lois graduated from Englewood High School where she was known for her melodic voice, and participated in the school choir as a lead singer. Lois moved to Michigan in 1958 and settled in Kalamazoo in the early-1980s. Lois loved people, especially children. She earned the name “Muddy” from the children she raised. In addition to her biological children, she reared close to 80 children over her lifetime. Lois carried this love for children into her work. She spent the balance of her career working for Kalamazoo Public Schools “KPS” as a paraprofessional at South (known today as Maple Street) Middle School. Lois retired from KPS in the early 1990s. Immediately following her retirement, Lois continued pouring into children, helping to rear her grandchildren. Lois was very active during her retirement years. She often could be found at the Ecumenical Senior Center “ESC” where she spent time volunteering, participating in Bible Studies, and hanging out with many of her closest friends. One of the highlights of her time at the ESC was participating as a model in the Annual Fashion Show. She would strut down the runway waving her hand and putting on a show for the people. Christ was the head of Lois’ life and she demonstrated God’s love in all she set out to do. For several years she was an active member of Good News Deliverance Center under the leadership of the late Pastor Robert Buchanan. More recently, she served as the Church Mother of Mt. Calvary Christian Bible Church under the leadership of Bishop Timothy Ezell. Lois departed this earth on Sunday February 17, 2019. Like earlier in her life, Lois continued using her melodic voice singing and humming until the end. The spirit of her love continues to permeate all of those who knew her. Lois was preceded in death by her parents: Dorothy Swan and Wilbur Chapman; Aunt Thelma “Dee Dee” Robinson Gross; sister Dorothy Gile, and Deborah “Judy” Menzie El; her brother Donald Swan and Charles Swan; and her children Gerald Lloyd and Sharon Lloyd. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children: Crystal (Duane) Cunningham, James Key, Amy Turner, Modesta Key, Alexis (Marc) Pulphus and Bruce Lloyd; her brother Wilbur (Sharon) Chapman; her sisters Patricia Newton El and Diane Chapman Bey; 18 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren, along with special daughters Sue Lytwyn, Schenetta Johnson and special son Timothy “Freddie” Johnson.

Mrs. Lois W. Key

September 22, 1932 - February 17, 2019