Lucille Ruth Gethers was born on December 15, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and

departed this life on October 16, 2023. She was the fourth of eight children born to Samuel and

Beatrice Gethers. She attended Martha Washington Elementary and Middle Schools and West

Philadelphia High School where she graduated at the top of her class with a scholarship to the

Philadelphia College of Art.

In 1947, while working after school at a tailor shop near her home, she met Calvin O. Keeys

who would become the love of her life. They began dating a year later and, in her words,

"shared movies, parties, church, long walks in the evening, and midnight snacks." They were

united in marriage on June 20, 1949, by Father John T. Mitchell at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic

Church. They were blessed with seven loving and accomplished children, all of whom were

raised in Christ and educated at St. Ignatius.

Lucille was a multi-talented homemaker who used her incredible creative skills in sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, baking, canning and the like to create a warm and inviting home for her family. Lucille believed in the importance of taking care of what was yours and making good with the gifts you were given. This, among so many lessons, she imparted to her children. She was a financial wizard, with Calvin's assistance, at handing all of the household accounts for a family of 9 and assorted pets which the family was well known for having. Although her primary focus was keeper of hearth and home, she did work as a parent teach aid at St. Ignatius for her younger children and occasionally for the IRS during tax season. She was a doting grandmother whose caregiving extended to even the youngest of her grandchildren in her later years. She was an avid reader, especially of scripture and poetry. She enjoyed music, in particular gospel music and show tunes. She excelled at letter writing most notably to her children where she dispensed words of wisdom, anecdotes and comfort when needed. In short, she was the HEART of the family delivering unconditional love and compassion to every generation.

Lucille was a sweet, approachable, yet private person, whose elegance and lady like demeanor was admired by all, especially by the young girls of the neighborhood and friends of her children.

She was a classy lady.

We give all glory and grateful homage to our Lord and Savior, who in his blessings to us gave us a wonderfully loving, caring and beautiful Mother for almost 92 years, whose journey was not always easy, but to whom God's light and promise was always a beacon which shown brightly. Her children, will always remember this and continue the legacy of love she has given us.

Lucille was preceded in death by her father, mother, brothers, her devoted husband Calvin O. Keeys, their daughter Gabrielle Russell, great-grandson Cameron Staley, and great-great

granddaughter Yusariah Coates. She leaves behind a loving family to celebrate her life

and cherish her legacy: her children Sheila (Reverend Kenneth) Staley, Yolanda O'Bryant, Dr.

Lynn (Ernest Fausther) Keeys, Kim (M.M. Pharr) Keeys-Jordan, Dr. Christopher (Dr. Sabrina)

Keeys, and Mark (Lailah) Keeys; her sisters Mary Miles, Gloria (Morris) Nelson, and Roselen

Gethers; 21 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; and a host

of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Scripture Passage for last page of Obituary

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.

Proverbs 31: 25-31

¬Acknowledgements

The family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation and thanks to all those who have expressed their condolences through your prayers, visits, calls, emails, texts and cards. We also wish to especially thank the Terrace of Chestnut Hill Assisted Living, Germantown Home and Gentive Hospice for their assistance and support.