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May 26, 2008

Key remembered as educator, friend

By Brittany Woodby

BWOODBY@CULLMANTIMES.COM

To hundreds of children, Marvin Key was an inspiration and a mentor, spending 56 years in Cullman County Schools as a coach, teacher and principal.

To others, Key was a friend and an inspiration.

“Mr. Key was one of the most well-loved people I’ve ever known,” friend and co-worker Mary Jane Leverett said. “He was not only my co-worker but one of my best friends. He taught me many life lessons that I will never forget.”

Key was born in Arley on Dec. 9, 1922 to McKinley and Pearlie Fuller Key. After graduating from Meek High School, he spent three years fighting in World War II.

Upon returning home, Key began school at the University of Alabama where he earned his master’s degree in education.

“He was very devoted to his job and the boys and girls he taught,” former county schools superintendent Felton Easterwood said. “He was excellent and an excellent educator. All enjoyed being around Marvin (Key).”

Key took his first job as a coach and teacher at Meek High School. Even though he retired from education in 1991, Leverett said Key never truly left his job.

“He was my boss in 1976 and I worked with him up until (this) Christmas,” she said. “He retired in 1991, but never really quit coming into work. Education and helping kids and teachers, aside from his family, that was his life.”

Leverett said Key was also known for reaching out to those in need in the community.

“He was private; he didn’t want in the limelight,” she said. “What he did, he did to help, not for recognition.”

Still, those in the community took notice of Key’s service and he was named Alumni of the Year at Meek High School, and this year he was awarded The Cullman Times Unsung Hero Award.

Key was chosen as an Unsung Hero for his willingness to get textbooks, desks and materials for students so they could continue to learn. He also established the “Media Mobile” which travels to every school in the county so teachers can get the materials they need.

In his spare time, Key was a photographer.

“At awards ceremonies, if a teacher was being recognized, he was always taking pictures,” Leverett said. “But he didn’t want his picture taken. He was a unique man, and probably the best man I’ve ever known.”

“My relationship with him was nothing but excellent,” Easterwood said. “He was a good fellow.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Cullman County, 402 Fourth Ave. S.E., Cullman, AL 35055 or The American Diabetes Association, 200 Office Park Drive, Suite 303, Birmingham, AL 35233.

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