Deacon Efral L. Keys Sr.

November 1, 1937 - October 20, 2021

Efral L. Keys Sr. (Sam), 83, of Peoria departed this life on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at his residence. Efral was born to Willie Keys Sr. and Alberta Wallace on November 1, 1937, in Tunica, Mississippi. Efral received his education from Phoenix High School in Marion, Arkansas. In 1954 he enlisted into the U.S. Navy. He was employed with American General and retired in November 2000. Efral accepted Christ at an early age. He was a devoted Deacon, Superintendent and Sunday School teacher at Rising Sun Baptist Church. Efral touched many lives and left behind a great legacy and impression that will never be forgotten. Efral in addition to his loving parent was preceded: Della Mae Keys (wife); Ocie Keys (ex-wife); Henry Wallace (Stepfather); and 3 grandsons. Efral leaves to mourn; a beautiful stepmother Mary Keys; five daughters; Annette (Geoffrey) Munger in Lanesboro, MN, Hellen Hall in Minneapolis, MN, Dondra (Anthony) Chatman in Peoria, IL, Patrise Keys in St Louis, MO and Dianne Keys in Peoria, IL; two sons; Henry Donald in West Memphis, AR and Efral (Kimberly) Keys Jr. in Peoria, IL; seven sisters; Lillie Keys, Ruth Turner, Margert Washington, Mary Katherine Keys and Linda Keys; two brothers; Willie Keys and James (Mary) Keys; One special sister-in-law; Azzie Jenkins; three honorable daughters; Sonya Copeland, Demetra Gains and Cathy Collins; 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; ex-wife: Doris Keys and a host of great-great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom will miss him dearly. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Rising Sun BaptistChurch at 10:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one-hour prior at 9:00 a.m. Rev. John Gibson, Pastor will officiate. Efral will be laid to rest at Lutheran.