Dorothy M. Keyes

Dorothy Mae (Aunt Dot) Keyes, 91, of Atlantic Highlands, NJ passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at Home. She was born on February 10, 1927 in Plainfield, NJ to Calvin and Alneda Tunison.

In her early years after school, Dorothy, or Dot, as her friends called her, was employed as a seamstress by several clothing manufacturers in the Essex and Middlesex County area. She retired from working as a factory seamstress when she moved to Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Even in retirement from factory employment, she could be found sewing many outfits for family members or friends. In her free time, she would enjoy a night of Bingo with her sister and neighborhood friends.  She inherited an artistic ability from her father, and sketched drawings and paintings for all to enjoy.

Dorothy was a faithful member of the St. Paul Baptist Church, Atlantic Highlands under the pastorates of the late Reverend Vassie L. Peek and Reverend Dr. Henry P. Davis Jr. She had joined the Church Choir and even in her later years, she could be heard quietly singing gospel hymns to herself.

Dorothy married Thomas (Booney) Keyes in October 1952. After their marriage, she became a homemaker. Before there were 'latch key' kids, there was “Aunt Dot”, who would watch many a neighborhood child before and after school, while their parents were working.

She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Keyes; brother, Edward Tunison; and sister, Jenny Butler.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Patterson and her companion, Allen Wright of Atlantic Highlands, NJ; two sons, Thomas and his wife, Michele of Howell, NJ, and Rodney of Middletown, NJ and his fiancée, Stacey Bailey of Matawan, NJ; sister, Lydia Motley of Atlantic Highlands, NJ; five grandchildren; Troy Patterson, Tiffany Patterson, Aaron Keyes, Isaiah Keyes and JaNae Keyes; five great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

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