Arlethia L. Keys

Arlethia Lyons Keys, better known as (Sis. Bee), transitioned from this life on March 24, 2026 at the Autumn Care Nursing Home in Suffolk, Virginia. Arlethia was born December 12, 1931 to the late George and Margaret Wilson Lyons in Nansemond County, now Suffolk, Virginia.

She received her early education in the Sandy Bottom School and graduated from East Suffolk High School. Arlethia accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and became a lifetime member of the Diamond Grove Baptist Church. She served on the Usher Board, the Gospel Choir, and the Pastor’s Aide. She was also a member of the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America and sang with the Diamond Grove Gospel singers and the Wilson Gospel Singers. Arlethia was a Bible Study member and served on the Hospitality and Senior Choir.

Arlethia was united in marriage to Melvin Keys and from this union two children were born Raymond Keys and Elaine Wilson. She also has two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Arlethia retired from Planters Peanut Factory in Suffolk, Virginia after forty-two years of service. She went on to work as a cafeteria worker for the Suffolk Public schools. She was known for baking her delicious fruit cakes and rice pudding.

She was preceded in death by brothers George Lyons, James Lyons, Ellerson Lyons and Larry Lyons and sisters Thelma Hargraves, Virginia Fulgham, Frances Colander and Margaret Ward.

She leaves to cherish her memory a son Raymond and daughter Gladys Elaine; two grandchildren Angel and Justin; three great grandchildren; two brothers Rev. Curtis Lyons and Edward Lyons, one special cousin Ann Diggs Mitchell and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Arlethia was a humorous person who always had a joke to make you laugh.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, viewing will be held from 3-6 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 11 am on Thursday, April 2, 2026, a Celebration of Life will be held at Diamond Grove Baptist Church. Please keep the Keys family in your thoughts and prayers.