Sarah E. Royal

On August 8, 2005, God called to her eternal rest SARAH ELIZABETH KEYS-OWENS ROYAL, the daughter of the late Mary Keys and Edward Thomas; she was born on March 5, 1902 in Baltimore, Maryland. Sarah was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. She retired at the age of eighty-nine, after more than forty years of employment as a domestic worker in the household of Dr. Joseph McKechnie, where she played an intregal role in the rearing of his three children and is considered part of their family. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Evelyn, at the age of nine months. Sarah was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Eugene Royal. Sarah was introduced to Christ at an early age and was a long time devoted and dedicated member of Centennial-Caroline Street United Methodist Church; and at one hundred three years, was the oldest member of the church at her passing. She loved to sing and was a dedicated member of Centennial's Choir. She was involved in many church activities, including the Unified Choir, Usher Board, United Methodist Women, the Breakfast Club and other church ministries. Sarah was a snazzy dresser and was well known and admired for her unique hats, which she regularly wore to Sunday services. She loved and lived life to the fullest. Aunt Sarah, as she was affectionately called by her nieces and nephews, was once asked what was the secret of her long life. She replied, "I took care of myself, I didn't drink or smoke a lot and God took care of me and kept me through the years." She loved to party and travel!! She enjoyed entertaining with her family and friends and was a long time member of the F.E.W. Harper Temple No. 429 (I.B.P.O.E. of W.), Purity/Sweet Beaulahland Chapter No. 7/29 (B.P.O.R.), Baltimore, Maryland and several other fraternal organizations. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: two sisters, Frances O. Petty and Mary O. Robinson (Liz) (she was preceded in death by one sister, Esther Carter, and four brothers, Robert Owens, William Owens, Charles Owens and Wilbert Owens); a host of nieces, nephews and eight cousins, Judge Paul Smith, Phillip Smith, Angus Smith, David Smith, Dorothy Smith, Rita Hatcher, Lenora Bevins and Rachael Branche. Her infectious smile and her devotion to God, her faith and religion will be greatly missed and her memory will be in our hearts forever.

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Sarah E. Royal

March 5, 1902 - August 8, 2005