Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is with heaviness of heart that I inform you of the passing of the late Agnes Keys (after a short illness) at her home, on Sunday evening, the 7th of June.
As a church, we want to express our deepest sympathy to the whole of her family circle and will continue to uphold them in prayer, as they enter the house of mourning. Her death is indeed a big loss for her family and for our church family. She lived so as to be missed.
Many years ago, the Rev. David Mcllveen had the joy of leading her to the Lord. Then, about 18 months ago, Agnes, along with other family members, started attending Carryduff PFC, and towards the end of last year was received into our communicient membership. We were overjoyed. Agnes loved attending the church services and rarely missed the prayer meeting. It was a joy and pleasure to have her faithfully present, and to get to know her and her family members in a personal way. I definitely enjoyed having fellowship with her. It was evident she loved the Lord and his word.
Agnes was indeed a gracious, good and godly wife, mother, mother in law and grandmother whose bodily form will be greatly missed, especially by her sorrowing family and by all who knew and loved her. The death of a loved one is hard to come to terms with at any time, but the death of a mother is especially a poignant moment in the life of any family. This is indeed the end of an era for the Keys family. It’s wonderful to know and believe that for Agnes now, she is “absent from the body and present with the Lord” and that “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”. On Sunday evening as she breathed her last, she went home to be with the Lord which for her is far better. Revelation 14:13.
After consulting with the family and undertaker today, the following arrangements have been agreed:
Her funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon the 11th June. There will be a short service at her home in Saintfield at approximately 12:30 PM. After this, the family will make their way to Carryduff FPC for a short family service. I will be officiating and the Rev. Mcllveen will bring the closing address. Sadly, due to the covid 19 restrictions, only the immediate family will be allowed inside the church. However, the funeral is open to all who wish to drive into the car park, with the understanding that the government lockdown measures of social distancing be adhered to, and with everyone remaining inside their vehicles.
After this service, the family will make their way to the graveyard in Saintfield Parish Church. All mourners are also welcome to attend the committal, on the understanding that they adhere to the government lockdown measures of social distancing. If you are planning to come, please use the lower carpark entrance to the Parish Church.
Please continue to pray for Sandra, Leslie and Linda and the whole family circle at this time. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Family flowers only and all donations in lieu of flowers to Marie Curie and Carryduff FPC Building Fund. All cheques made payable to Norman McBrier Funeral Services, Main Street, Saintfield.
Yours in Christ
David
