IvaNell Keys

IvaNell Keys, 84, of Church Hill, TN peacefully gained her angel wings on Thursday, October 9, 2025 after a brief illness. She was born on March 21, 1941. IvaNell retired from the Hawkins County Schools system after working as a secretary and bus driver for over 32 years, where she touched countless lives at Mcpheeters Bend, Keplar, and Carter’s Valley. She was a member of the McFerrin Methodist Church, where she taught the Adult Bible Study. She was a joy to everyone who knew her, our loss is heaven’s gain.

She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Lewis Keys; her sons, Ken and Greg Keys; her parents, Calvin and Mary Skelton; and her sister, Kay Troxell.

She is succeeded in life by her son, Tim Keys and wife Sharon; her daughter, Sherry Chic and husband Julio; three grandchildren, Ryan Keys, Ashley Nelms, and Kara Keys; two step-grandchildren, Diego and Katherine Chic; seven great-grandchildren, Aiden and Alexus Nelms, Draven, Damien, and Kaylyn Keys, Aurora and Lukas Chic; special sisters-in-law, Janice Keys and Linda Fann; her special friend, Wilma Holder; and her adopted granddaughter, Mick Cassidy.

There will be no services as these were IvaNell’s wishes, she wanted everyone to remember her as she was in life: vibrant, fiercely independent, kind and caring, always helping others.

The Keys family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Wilcox Hall on the second floor for their kindness and care during this difficult time.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill is serving the keys family.