Julia Gatewood Keys

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me that day.” - II Timothy 4:7-8

In the stillness of the morning, Thursday, March 27, 2025, an angel of the Lord entered and took my mother away. Julia Beatrice Newby Gatewood Keys had gone HOME!

Julia was born on July 5, 1929, to the late Mary Lane Newby and the late Arthur Nicholas Newby. She began life in Surry County, Virginia; however, at the early age of five, Julia moved with her family to Smithfield, Virginia where she grew up. She was the baby of seven children born to her parents’ union.

Julia accepted Christ at an early age and honored Him as her personal savior until she died. She attended the Public Schools of Isle of Wight County and was a lifelong member of Little Zion Baptist Church. She truly loved the Lord.

At the tender age of sixteen, Julia married Morris Gatewood. To that union, two children were born –Deloise and Cecelia Gatewood. But God saw fit to call Morris to his eternal rest after about four years of marriage, leaving Julia and her two daughters alone. They continued on, with the help of the lord, until she met Wesley Keys, Jr. who in 1951 became her second husband and father to her two little girls. To Julia and Wesley’s marital union, two children were born – Melvin and Debbie Keys. This now family ofsix would live in harmony with God’s help until the loss of Wesley in 2006.

As previously stated, Julia was a lifelong member of Little Zion Baptist Church where she song joyously in the church choir (she loved to sing for the Lord!) and served on the Deaconess Board. I can remember that at that time and during those days, the choir would march in from the back as they jubilantly sang “We’re Marching to Zion.” It seemed to me, a young girl, that as they marched and sang, their eyes were actually fixed on “Zion.” What joy!

Julia loved her family! Though she worked full time at Smithfield Packing Company for (43 years), she worked diligently to be the best wife and mother-cooking, cleaning, washing, sewing, doctoring, loving… Julia loved gospel music and loved to sing gospel music, in church and out of church. She loved people and loved to see them enjoy the delicious meals she would prepare and share in her home. To help her in her home, she joined the Home Demonstration Club of Isle of Wight County and loved the knowledge and camaraderie it brought.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; six sibling, Ruth, Rilla, Bonnie, Joe, Elsie and Henry Newby; a granddaughter, Chamariyah Nicole Durham; and three of four children, in order of their deaths, Melvin Carneal Keys, Debbie Oretha Keys Durham and Deloise Ann Gatewood Gwaltney.

Julia is survived by one daughter, Cecelia Yvonne Gatewood Wilson; four grandchildren, Brian Gwaltney, Alvin Webster “Webb” Wilson, Melynda D. Gwaltney, and ShaIngrid K.J. Durham Oliver; ten great grandchildren, Latoni Hardy, Tajonee’ A. Wilson, Chloe’ Webb Wilson, Jesikah R. Wilson, Miah M. Wilson, Dejah M. Wilson, Alvin W. Wilson, III, Jeremiah W. Wilson, Jordan A. Gwaltney, Kylea D. Durham; nine great great grandchildren, JuTajee D. Holmes, Justin “LJ” Holmes, Jr., JuVonte’ D. Holmes, Juelz D.Holmes, Justis’ D. Holmes, Ju’Kye D. Holmes, Ju’Cina D. Holmes, Kali Wilson and Ayven Lyttle; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, viewing will take place from 4-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 11am on Friday, April 4, 2025, a Celebration of Life will be held at Little Zion Baptist Church. Please keep the Gatewood and Keys family in your thoughts and prayers.