Earlyne Delores (Miles) Poe-Key

South Bend, Indiana

Aug 2, 1943 – Mar 25, 2011

Earlyne Delores (Miles) Poe-Key age 67, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who resided in South Bend, Indiana went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 7:36 a.m. in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, after a brief illness. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 2, 1943 to the union of Ben and Margaret Miles Jr. Both parents preceded her in death.

Earlyne loved the Lord and at an early age professed a love for Christ and took religious courses at Bethel College. She knew the importance of love and forgiveness, for she was quick to forgive and encouraged others to do likewise.

In 1953 her parents relocated the family to South Bend, Indiana. Earlyne attended Oliver and Harrison Elementary Schools and graduated from Washington High School. In 1976, she attended Indiana Vocational Technical College where she earned a technical certificate in Practical Nursing. She was ranked No. 3 in the state of Indiana when she passed her state exam. Having a zest for knowledge, she continued to take courses at Indiana University of South Bend. Earlyne worked at various social service agencies, hospitals, and nursing homes as a LPN, specializing in adolescent and geriatric care. Her last place of employment was Woodridge Assisted Living Care Facility in South Bend, Indiana where she served as a nurse and then as a nursing supervisor.

Earlyne had a love for life and adventure. She shared this passion with her family and best friends of 50 years, Virginia (Townsend) Johnson and Annie (Miller) Daniels, along with other cherished friendships. Family was important to her and she engaged them in various activities and travels. On July 27, 1996, she married Ernest Key of Gary, Indiana, whom she precedes in death. Earlyne was a member of St. Paul Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and was a participant in Bible study.

Earlyne Delores (Miles) Poe-Key, leaves to cherish her memory, her husband; Ernest Key, one son; Earl B. (Anita) Wigfall Sr., two daughters; Yvette E. Wigfall of Merrillville, Indiana, and Delphine R. Poe, three brothers; Ben (Margaret Ann) Miles, III, Ralph H. Miles, Sr., George (Ruth) Miles, Sr., and two sisters; Phyllis (Michael Sr.) Phillips, and Janice (Wayne Jr.) Batteast, four grandchildren; Earl B. Wigfall, II, Exavier B. Wigfall, Elliott B.M. Wigfall, and Camden G. Poe, and two great-grand children; Jorden L. Wigfall and Kyla M. Wigfall, godson; Marshaum Givens, special uncle and aunt; George and Florine Hines of Memphis, Tennessee, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to celebrate her life.

Earlyne requested that donations be made in her name to Nephrology Inc., 6201 Nimtz Parkway, South Bend, Indiana 46628.

The Celebration of Life for Earlyne Delores (Miles) Poe-Key will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011 at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 137 E. Indiana Avenue. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and then services at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Clark-O'Neal Funeral.

08/23/2022 EJS