Mr. Joseph Westley Key, 68, of Crossett, AR, died Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Mr. Key was a native of Memphis, TN, but a resident of Crossett, a retired public administrator, he taught high school at Camden, AR, was the Asst. Superintendent at Eudora schools, served as President of Arkansas Education Association, and a member of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Shelly Flowers Key, his parents, J.Y. and Effie Lee LaSure Key, two brothers, James Key and Clarence Robinson, and one sister, Cheryl Ann Robertson. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Merkia Griffin Key of Crossett, AR, one son, Joseph W. Key, Jr., of Camden, one step-son, James LeDon Childress, U.S. Air Force of Hampton, VA, one daughter, Felecia C. Key Gingery of Little Rock, AR, one brother, Rodney & wife, Margie Key, of San Diego, CA, one sister, Norma J. Key-Fontenot of San Diego, CA, and two god-daughters, Chala B. Simpson & Tyra N. Simpson.

Funeral Services are Thursday, October 15, 11 a.m., at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church with Rev. A.L. Owens & Rev. Marvin Scott officiating. Pallbearers are Oliver Griffin, Spencer Griffin, Freddie Griffin, Willie E. Griffin III, Johnny Gaston, Thomas Tolefree, and Michael Scott. Burial at Westview Cemetery under the direction of Cromwell Funeral Home, Inc.