Doreatha Dean Key

Doreatha Dean Key, 81, also known as “Granny” to her loved ones, passed away Wednesday May 18, 2022 at home in Brownfield, TX surrounded by family. She left this earth to walk in the Heavenly Garden exactly 14 years to the day after her beloved Sammy passed. Doreatha was born on June 14, 1940 to the late Woodrow and Loree May in Pittsburg, California. She moved with her family to Gomez, TX in 1950 where they farmed. Doreatha attended high school at Brownfield High School where she participated in FHA, Choir, and was on the library staff before graduating in 1958. Doreatha married Sammy Key August 26, 1958 in Brownfield, TX; they were married 3 months shy of 50 years before his passing. They lived in Lubbock a couple years before moving to Gomez and farming for Doreatha’s Dad for 14 years, finally laying down roots in Brownfield during 1970. Doreatha worked various jobs throughout the years such as Shook Tire, Key Tire, Jack Hamilton Tire & Bayless Jewelry before taking a job for AAI Foster-Grant in 1992 as a supervisor. She worked for them until she retired to take care of Sammy. Her hobbies included oil painting and collecting over 4000 Hot Wheels. Doreatha had a servant heart expecting nothing in return, she loved everyone with a full heart and open arms. You always knew you were welcome and guaranteed a meal at Granny & Grandads house. She loved her family deeply and cherished her friendships. She leaves behind an abundance of beautiful memories and was an exemplar wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and “Granny”. Her legacy thrives though she will be deeply missed. Doreatha is preceded in death by her parents, husband Sammy Key, granddaughter Nikki Cruz, son-in-law Ross Byrd, brother-in-law Gene Blake, Tress Key & sister-in-law “Jerry” Edwards. Doreatha is survived by her daughter Robbie Byrd of Wichita Falls; two sons Russell Key, Ricky Key and wife Sherry all of Brownfield; 19 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren with 3 more on the way. She is also survived by her sister Doreen Kluck and her husband Dennis of Deer Lodge, MT; sister-in-law Glenna Cason and her husband Kenneth of Shallowater; Deanie Thomas and husband Tommy of Lubbock; brother-in-law Larry Blake and wife Linda of Arlington. The family would thank Dr. Hord and Dr. Chebib along with Interim Hospice of Brownfield, especially Sylvia & Jessica. Also, a heartwarming thanks to Rusty, Trina and April for tending to our dear Granny during this difficult stage in her life. Graveside services to be held at a later date under the direction of Brownfield Funeral Home. The family suggests donations be made to the Children’s Home of Lubbock, P O Box 2824, Lubbock TX 79408 www.childshome.org/giving