Martha Malone Key

Martha Ann Malone Key, 77, passed away December 15, 2024. Born September 2, 1947 in Houston, she was adored by her parents, Bernadet Breedlove Menking and Clarence McLeod Malone, Jr. Martha attended The Kinkaid School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Houston. She also attended Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin. On February 18, 1978, Martha married the love of her life, William Orand Key. They settled in Tyler where they raised their two beloved children, became members of Christ Episcopal Church and became ensconced in the community. Martha embraced her new hometown and served as an active volunteer. She was on the Board of Directors of the Tyler Rose Museum and the Tyler Museum of Art. She was a longtime member of The Gertrude Windsor Garden Club and the Junior League of Tyler. Martha enthusiastically served the Texas Rose Festival in many capacities, including as Chairman of the Rose Show, Chairman of the Queen’s Coronation and as the Executive Assistant to the President of the Texas Rose Festival. Additionally, she served The Order of the Rose as the Queen’s Ball Chairman. Perhaps, dearest to Martha was supporting her children in their various activities and sporting events at All Saints Episcopal School. Martha was preceded in death by her father, Clarence McLeod Malone; her mother, Bernadet Menking; stepmother, Sandra Malone; stepfather, Perry Menking, and her brother, John Malone. She is survived by husband, William Orand Key; son, William Orand Key, Jr. and wife Suzie; daughter Caroline Malone Key and wife Marla; grandchildren, Caroline Grace Key, Annie Malone Key and Miller Orand Key. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Malone; niece, Meg Malone; nephew, Carter Malone and wife Brooke; nephew, Justin Malone and wife Alison; and niece, Kendal Malone Rodgers and husband Scott. Martha is survived by her brother-in-law, Denning Key and wife Jan; niece, Frances Key; sister-in-law, Eugenia Key Son, and niece, Meg Rodman Randolph and husband Johnnie. The family would like to thank caregivers Nancy Andersen, Tamika Campbell, Branika Payton, Aracely Valle and the staff of Prestige Estates. In addition, the family heartily thanks the staff of Paloma Hospice Care for their kind and gentle service. After a private graveside service, Martha’s funeral will take place at Christ Episcopal Church in Tyler on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 10:30 am. In lieu of traditional remembrances, memorials may be made to the Tyler Museum of Art, the Tyler Rose Museum, the Heritage Rose Garden at the Tyler Rose Garden or to the charity of your choice.

Martha Malone Key

September 2, 1947 - December 15, 2024