Obituary

Germaine James Keys

June 7, 1984 - January 18, 2026

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, I spoke with God and it was time for me to come to my heavenly home. I humbly and obediently answered His call. After my accident, God blessed me with 26 more years to remain with my mama and family, allowing my life to be a testimony that God is good, God is love, and God’s timing is always perfect. 

I was a son, a brother, a uncle, a nephew, a cousin, and a friend. I was also a proud graduate of Bogalusa High School, Class of 2006. I was a New Orleans Saints fan and always had a deep love for dogs and the beauty of nature, a life truly fulfilled.

I’m saying farewell for now to my amazing and loving mama Joyce Smith of Bogalusa, La (please take care of her for me, she’s my first love and I was her one true love). My sister Tasha Smith of Jacksonville, Fl (She always kept me on the right path whether near or far) and my twin sister Shermaine Keys of Bogalusa, La (I will forever watch over and protect her with our twin power). My handsome and intelligent nephews Dasmine Smith of Jacksonville, Fl, Zavior Keys of Baton Rouge, La, and Jaron Perry-Jones of Bogalusa, La. My beautiful nieces Lyria Smith of Jacksonville, Fl, Taylinn Roberts and Kylinn Keys of Bogalusa, La. My aunts Mary Ann (William) Jordan of Bogalusa, La (She always had my back) and Mary Lee Keeton of Moss Point, Ms. My great-aunt Martha J Wilkerson of Pomona, Ca.

I’m also saying farewell to a large host of family and friends, but would like to acknowledge and thank a few of my cousins who have been there for me and my mama, James Jefferson, Lanor Keys, Terricka Keys, Tanika Keys-Roberts, Tywonda Jefferson, Kenneth Keys, Sr., Justin Keys, James Keys, Allen Keys, Kashanda Moses, Raymond Keys, Jr., Alfred Moses, Jr., Victor Keys, Jr., La’Rajanea Keys, Pelissa McClindon, Brent McClendon, LaTonya Jefferson-Gueary, Tarmecia Jolla, Tene Jenkins, Melvin Levi and De’Asia Keys & Keran Moses (Thank you both for sitting and helping with me). 

My caretakers Beverly Miller and Deborah Crumedy (She always spoiled me). A godly sent guardian, Melvin Abram, whose unwavering presence supported both me and my mama with care during and after my accident.

I want to give a very special farewell to my wonderful cousin Latoya Keys-Daniels, I cannot thank you enough for the love, care, and support you’ve shown me and my mama throughout my life. Knowing we could rely on you for whatever is A treasure. You always stepped in with so much compassion and selfless willingness. I am forever grateful for your kindness, your energy, and your presence in our lives. You are not just family; you are an absolute blessing.

After I spoke with Jesus, I was welcomed with love by those specials loves that left before me, my grandparents Clarence and Ora Lee Stevenson (he called me Bubba and she called me Grandpa) and my great-aunt Cora Lee Moses. Then my aunts Glen Ora Jefferson, Jacqueline Keys, Keran Moses, and Germaine Ellison. Then my uncles Melvin Moses, Alfred Moses, Freddy Moses, Victor Keys, Sr., and Raymond Keys, Sr. 

I was also welcomed by my best friend and brother, Mitchell Johnson (Oh, how I had missed him).

For everyone still present on earth, please don’t let your hearts be heavy in sadness but heavy in love and joy. My passing came in God’s perfect timing, and I am now resting in His presence. Though an accident changed my life long ago, God’s plan never changed and my purpose through Him is fulfilled. I want you to know that every prayer you prayed and every moment you stood by me mattered more than you know and was not in vain.

When it was time for me to say farewell, Jesus was with me, there was no pain—only peace. I’m now in His presence, I am healed, whole, and free.

If you’re wondering if you did enough, wonder no more, yes you did. Your love was God’s gift to me, nothing was wasted —not a single tear. Trust Him now as you’re hearing my words of farewell to you, that the same God who holds me is holding you.

Take care of one another, live without fear and most importantly love one another. Being that this is not goodbye, we will meet again, where there will be no more suffering for no one, only joy. I am at peace. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 11:00AM - 1:00PM followed by the funeral service at 1:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Douglas Hart - Officiating.