Mrs. Letha Bell Keyes Maryland transitioned from her earthly dwelling on Thursday, December 8, 2022 in Kinder, Louisiana at the age of ninety – five with loved ones by her side.  Graveside services were held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. officiated by her nephew Reverend Arnold K. Wykoff.  She was the first born of eight children to the late Bailey and Julia Sigust Keyes on June 26, 1927 in Welsh, Louisiana.  She gave her life to Christ at an early age.  Being a prayer warrior, usher, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher/volunteer were just a few of her positions of labor for the Lord.  Her main role as the matriarch of the Bailey Keyes lineage was loving God, living a Christian life, holding us all responsible for our actions, and loving us through all.

After graduating from high school, she attended Grambling State University earning Bachelors of Science degree in Education, and her Masters of Education degree from Texas Southern University.  Mrs. Maryland as she was affectionately called, married Johnny "Son" Maryland.  There were no children from this union, however she loved her stepson James "Little Son" Maryland as her own as well as all of her nieces and nephews.  Letha Bell taught in and retired from the field of education having enlightened the minds second graders for numerous years in the Calcasieu Parish School Board system.  She was also a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Letha Keyes Maryland is survived by her siblings, Cora K. Alfred of Jennings, LA; Minister Yvonne K. Wykoff of Lake Charles, LA; Reverend Griffin B. Keyes of Beaumont, TX; Minister Herbert E. (Velma) Keyes of Fenton, LA; stepson James (Roe) Maryland of Grambling, LA and host nieces and nephews {great and great-great}.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Mable Lee K. Jones; Elva Ruth K. Hardeman; and Virginia Grace K. Wykoff.