Arlene Marie Key

Arlene Marie Key age 94, resident of Shannondale of Maryville, passed away Tuesday, May 02, 2017 at Blount Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of James Lester and Marie Shoemaker, long-time residents of Kansas City, Missouri, and preceded in death. Arlene was born in Salina, Kansas on May 29, 1922. Preceded in death by beloved husband, William David Key, after 64 years of marriage. She attended Baker University and graduated from Kansas State University with a BA in journalism. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Upon graduation, she was Assistant Director of Public Relations at Stephens College in Columbia, MO. Also taught Creative Writing and became a Student Counselor. This was followed with a highly successful career in Public Relations and Advertising at the corporate level in Chicago and New York in the cosmetic and fashion magazine industry. Arlene became a military wife following WWII and traveled the world. She gave many hours of volunteer work during her long lifetime. She was honored Outstanding Volunteer Award by the American Red Cross in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. While living in Korea she served as President of The American Wives Club, member of the Seoul Bamboo Circle and The Royal Asiatic Society. She loved her many Korean friends and taught conversational English. While living in Washington D.C. she was Assistant Director of The Smithsonian Museum shops. She wrote for various publications as a columnist and feature writer throughout her life and authored a syndicated newspaper column for several years. The Key’s resided on Marco Island Florida for 26 years. As a pioneer resident, she served as a founder and president of the Marco Island Hospital Auxiliary, and the Marco Civic Association. She was an appointed member of the Collier County Health Board. She was instrumental in founding Marco Library, Art Association and the Players Drama Group. She was a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church, serving on Vestry. She and Bill loved boating and traveling the world. Her hobbies included: China and Tole painting and gourmet cooking, especially entertaining her many friends. The Key’s resided in the Tellico Village Community for 15 years before moving the Shannondale of Maryville. Arlene was an active member of the Tellico Village Church, member of the Tellico Concert Community, Tellico Players, charter member of the GFWC Women’s Club, the Panhellenic Club and a model for local fashion shops. She authored two columns for the Village Connection Newspaper. Fulfilling her lifetime love of music, Arlene was an active member of the Knoxville Symphonic League, a member of the KSL Merit Board and she received the Honorary Director Award in 2009. Working for the League was a great of her life. An avid reader and Duplicate Bridge player, she achieved Silver Life Master Status in the American Contract Bridge League and played for many years in the Maryville and Knoxville bridge clubs. She served on the Shannondale Pastoral Chapel committee and attended New Providence Presbyterian Church of Maryville. She is survived by three loving children, Linda Langley, Lesley Key, and David Key; Four Grandchildren; Two Great-Grandsons. Memorials may be made to: New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801, Community Church of Tellico Village, 130 Chota Center, Loudon, TN 37774, or Knoxville Symphonic Orchestra, ATTN: Development Office, PO Box 360, Knoxville, TN 37901-0360. Special thanks to Shannondale of Maryville and Kathy Turman. A Celebration of Arlene’s Life will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, May 8, 2017 at New Providence Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow at the church. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Arlene Marie Key please visit our Sympathy Store.