Naomi E. Keys

NAOMI ELIZABETH KEYS  was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 2, 1941  to Bertha Barnes and Emburs Barnes.

She attended elementary and primary schools in Baltimore City. A proud graduate of Dunbar High School, Class of 1959, she ranked among the very top of her class ( 2nd), a testament to her determination and intellect at a time when opportunities for young Black women were far too limited. Naomi passed the Civil Service test right after her 18th birthday. Her scores were so impressive that she was hired by the Social Security Administration before her actual high school graduation. Although she won a full scholarship to Morgan State University, Naomi began her career working for the Social Security Administration instead and remained for forty-two (42)  years until she retired in January 2001.

Naomi married Wilbert C. Keys, and from that union they shared two daughters Morenike (Morey) Seaborn and Noni Keys. Naomi loved to bake, cook, dance, and be a mother. In addition, she also enjoyed spending time with her sisters, brothers, being around family, and a ending church.

Naomi was raised in the church and attended Bethel Holy Tabernacle as a child. She sang with the Baltimore Youth Chorus, and traveled the country singing alongside her siblings. As an adult, she was a faithful member and Deaconess of her home church, East Baltimore Deliverance Church (EBDC) where her eldest sister is the Founder and Apostle, Christina Holtsclaw. Her spiritual journey was nurtured by  her niece. As she would always say, “My pastor, Carolyn Seawell”.  Naomi served in the ministry as the Pastor’s Nurse, Choir Director, and on the Usher Board.  She also taught Bible Study, Sunday School, and was an awesome Praise & Worship Leader.

Naomi loved her daughters and grandchildren immensely and always went over and beyond to nurture their dreams and aspirations. She was a ectionately known as MaMa to her grandchildren and many others. Naomi also cherished her godchildren Embrus Colombus Barnes III, Denitra Williams, and Trinitee Seawell. She was a sweet yet spicy woman of God. A spiritual mentor to many, a tax preparer, baker, and friend. Her life’s work was not only marked by her personal achievements but by the deep love she poured into her family, her community, and all who had the honor of knowing her.

She leaves behind a legacy rooted in love and resilience — her devoted daughters, Morenike Seaborn (affectionately known as Morey), Noni Keys, and her chosen daughter Wanda Vass who carry her strength and compassion forward. Her spirit lives on in her cherished grandchildren: Kenyonn Gregory, Jahi Carter, Kayla Lewis, Khalid McGill, Zymirah McGill, Katino Lampkin, Maury Seaborn, Tameme McQueen, the beloved Marc Seaborn, who preceded her in death, as well as  her seven (7) great grandchildren: Nehemiah Gregory, Skye Reeves, Saige Cornish, Sirae Joines, Delmar Heckstall, Destiny Heckstall, Ta’heem Heckstall and Ellis Winston Jr. who preceded her in death.

Naomi was a treasured sister, and a guiding light to her siblings Dr. Christina Holtsclaw, Robena Johnson, Jeannetta Saunders, Bertha Williams, Mamie (Elijah) Williams, Annie Peet, as well as her brothers that preceded her in death: Emburs Barnes, Joseph Barnes, Dr. William T. Barnes, Phillip Barnes, James Barnes, and Frank Barnes. She was a loving aunt to a host of nieces and nephews whose lives she touched deeply. Her legacy is one of power, unwavering devotion, and the kind of love that endures through generations. She will be remembered always — for her mind, her heart, and the unshakable roots she planted in each of us.