of Harrison, AR
June 5, 1960 - April 27, 2022
Dawn Keys, age 61, of Harrison, Arkansas died Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at home as a result of metastatic breast cancer. She was born June 5, 1960, in Springfield, Illinois, and became a resident of Harrison in 1974.
Dawn earned a master's degree in education and was certified as a National Board teacher of Language Arts at Alpena Elementary School for 28 years. She loved her students and went to great lengths to make them feel safe and loved.
Dawn adored the ocean, making gifts with her Cricket, planning celebrations, shopping, and bird watching. She was passionate about child literacy and served as a board member for The Imagination Library. Dawn was the mother of three and grandmother of eight and considered that to be her greatest accomplishment. She enjoyed a special bond with each of them that will endure forever.
Dawn is survived by her husband, Tim Keys of the home; her mother, Arline Flint of Harrison; her children, Lennie Young (Heather) of Springdale, Stephanie James of Harrison, and Kaitlin Holder (Shane) of Harrison; her grandchildren, Luci, Matthew, Paige, Bryan, Jaden, Brynn, Cale, and Hayes; her siblings, Jay Alan (Linda) of Melbourne, Florida, Robbyn Pena (Efrain) of Springfield, Missouri, Kathy Marquart (Fred) of Antonia, Missouri and Chris Henry (Neice) of St. Peters, Missouri; nephews Adam Gregory of Harrison and Ethan Gregory of Kansas City, Missouri; and nieces April Schlobohm (Taylor) of Raymore, Missouri and Danielle Burns (Jay) of Windsor, Connecticut.
Services were Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Alpena School Gym, Alpena, Arkansas.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
~Maya Angelo
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36 Condolence(s)
Sandy Neighbors
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Dawn ,you were so sweet and kind to me,a real christain lady and very smart I just saw this,love you sis sandy neighbors
Sandi Gibbins
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
I feel very blessed to have known Dawn and to have worked with her for 12 years at Alpena school. I was always so impressed with her teaching skills and how much of herself she poured into her students. I will always remember her smile, her laugh and the wonderful lady she was.
Sherry Roberts
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Dawn was a beautiful lady, inside & out. Brandy had so many great times at your house with Stephanie. Dawn had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a beautiful smile to share. I am so sorry for your loss Stephanie, Lennie and Kaitlin. My prayers are with you all in the days ahead.
Ron and Sarita Taylor
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
You were an amazing sister in law and person you have touched alot of lives you will be missed love you
Ron and Phyllis McNair
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
We are so saddened by the loss of such a loving, kind, and passionate Lady. The love she had for her family, especially her grandchildren was so abundant and her face just glowed when talking about each of them.
She was a one in a million teacher that loved her students and they loved her equally. She never made a difference in any child. Cherish those precious memories. Sending love and prayers for strength and much comfort in the days to come. Alpena school has lost a great one. â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Yvonne Janoff
Monday, May 2, 2022
DEAR DAWN!!!
WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE & MISS YOU!!!
I MET YOU WHEN YOU WERE A TODDLER. YOU WERE BORN THE YEAR I MARRIED YOUR UNCLE LARRY.
YOU WERE A VERY BEAUTIFULL CHILD, AND CONTINUED TO BE THROUGH OUT YOUR LIFE.
LOVE ALWAYS, YVONNE & LARRY
Patricia Moore
Monday, May 2, 2022
She was my child's teacher last year and we loved her very much. My son thought highly of her and loved her and loved being in her class and just talking to her and being around her. .she was always there when someone needed her it didn't matter what she was doing she would drop everything and rush over. She was so amazing and just such a amazing person. I'm very sorry for your lose and she will be greatly missed and forever loved.
Yvonne Janoff
Monday, May 2, 2022
DEAR DAWN, WE WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS!!! YOU WERE SUCH A SWEET THING!! AND CONTINUED TO BE THROUGHOUT YOUR WHOLE LIFE!!
I MET YOU WHEN YOU WERE A VERY LITTLE TODLER!! I MARRIED YOUR UNCLE LARRY SAME YEAR YOU WERE BORN.
ALL OUR LOVE, YVONNE & LARRY
Dennis & LaVonne Nichols
Monday, May 2, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Dawn was a wonderful person and great teacher. Your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Kimberlee Henson
Monday, May 2, 2022
We are so sorry for the loss of Dawn Keys! I had the privilege to get to know her through Alpena Elementary when she was my sons 5th grade teacher. She was one of the rare ones that you knew was hard to find! Such a great teacher and person! She will be greatly missed! Thoughts and prayers from the Henson family!
Connie Mooney
Monday, May 2, 2022
I was blessed to have taught with Dawn. She always had a positive outlook and an encouraging word. She made everyone around her feel important and valuable. I am praying God will grant the family strength, comfort, and the ability to Celebrate her life well lived that will carry on in all the lives she touched.
Jim Young
Monday, May 2, 2022
Lennie and Stephanie my heart true goes out to you. You are in our prayers. Dawn loved you kids greatly.
Paula Newton
Sunday, May 1, 2022
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I was blessed to have worked with Dawn at Alpena for 4 years. She was a great teacher and loved her students.
Stacie Hart Anagnostis
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Thinking of you, Robbyn, Arline, Jay and the whole family during this devastating and difficult time. Robbyn, your grace and strength are amazing.
Much love,
Stacie and Robby Anagnostis
Lori (Troutt) Crawford
Saturday, April 30, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear of Dawn's passing. She was so lovely and so kind and will be sorely missed by this world. My prayers are with her family and friends.
David roberts
Friday, April 29, 2022
Hey Lennie and Stephanie, sorry to hear about your mother.
Janet Wilcox
Friday, April 29, 2022
Sending my deepest sympathy to Dawn’s family. You were the light of her life! I will always remember her smile, laughter, kindness and great sense of humor. It was always a joy to encounter her.
June Snow
Friday, April 29, 2022
Dawn always made parents feel welcome at school events. She was kind to students and they loved her spirit.
Tim and Anita (Coxsey) Sawyer
Friday, April 29, 2022
Deepest sympathies for all of the family and many friends. Love and prayers for each of you.
Stacey McMullen
Friday, April 29, 2022
Dawn holds a very special place in my family’s hearts from her days at Bergman when she stepped in during a very difficult time. She certainly was blessed with a very special gift of teaching, caring and loving. Thanks to her family for sharing her with us. She has achieved the ultimate victory now - Victory in Jesus! So thankful for her faith.
Wanda Massengale
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Dawn made everyone feel special. Her sense of humor made everything better. She will be missed more than she could ever have imagined. Prayers for her family and everyone that loves her.
Jennifer Colvin
Thursday, April 28, 2022
I loved to be with Dawn! She was funny, personable, friendly, and so lovable. She was a terrific teacher; she loved her students so much. She was a wonderful lady, mother, and grandmother. I am so glad I got to teach with her and then sub for her a little. I will never forget her. She was so special!
Janet Ricketts
Thursday, April 28, 2022
She will always have a special place in my heart. When I think of Dawn I see her friendly smile,and how many children she helped.
Stacy Slagley
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Mrs. Keys was a great teacher. She will be greatly missed by many. Fly high beautiful lady.
Karen Curtis
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Dawn was one of the good ones! She was always smiling and ready to talk to anyone. She loved her family and was passionate about teaching. Dawn will be greatly missed by so many.
Skye Haggenmaker
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Mrs. Keys was an absolutely amazing and loving woman. She will be so, so missed. Prayers for the family, the school, and the community.
Debra Villines
Thursday, April 28, 2022
FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS! SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ! GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU. THOUGHTS & PRAYERS. DEBBIE VILLINES.
Sharon Cathey
Thursday, April 28, 2022
My deepest sympathy. Love, Sharon
Robert Smalley
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Dawn was a great teacher and made a difference for many children. She is at the top of my list on the best teachers that I had the privilege of working with.
Cathy Dodson
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Dawn was a special friend and coworker. She will be greatly missed.
Michelle Massey
Thursday, April 28, 2022
She is with the angels 💜 Although this is without a doubt a difficult time, I am relieved to hear that she is no longer suffering. Dawny is at peace and she is/was a vessel of pure and passionate love who will be remembered by all those who were blessed with an opportunity to get to know her. I pray for the healing of the broken hearts that are left behind. Remember the love NEVER dies, you just carry them with you in your heart where ever you go…..for infinity
Love Michelle
Berniece Dunsing
Thursday, April 28, 2022
To a wonderful family. We loved her she was so kind. Praying for the family. GOD BLESS
Addie shields
Thursday, April 28, 2022
I am so sorry I can not make it due to work! I am praying for you guys and love you all very much!
Bayley Howard
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Tim, Lennie, Stephanie, and Kaitlyn I love you all! Dawn was literally the best. I am so sorry for your loss, she is with us always.
Rachel Jones
Thursday, April 28, 2022
She always treated me just like her own. My heart and prayers go out to her family ♥ï¸
Cara Jeffrey
Thursday, April 28, 2022
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet lady and always had a smile on her face. When I was new to Alpena, she made me feel so welcome. Her presence has been missed. Praying for strength and peace.