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On Tuesday, April 2, Bogalusa City Councilwoman Danielle Keys passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 45. She was an active volunteer, politician, mother, wife, and member of Christ way Ministries.

Keys represented District B in Bogalusa, where she graduated from Bogalusa High School before attending Dillard University, Drury University, and had nearly completed her Ed. D at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The university will issue her doctorate posthumously this fall.

She was loved by friends, co-workers, and community members who valued her leadership and compassion. In the short days since her passing, there has been an outpouring of love and prayers on social media from friends, family, and the community at large.

Mayor Tyrin Truong made a heartfelt post on Facebook, describing her as a giant and bridgebuilder.

Minister Glennis E. McKelphin said Keys was “a woman of dignity, grace, and beauty who always remained poised.”

McKelphin was King of the Crewe of Unity and escorted Keys as Queen in 2022.

Dana Walker had known Keys since middle school and served with her in the Spartanettes in high school, where they learned the importance of community service and leadership. They were personally and professionally close as adults, and Walker described her as “a phenomenal woman that loved her family first, friends and city.”

Bogalusa will mourn the passing of one of its beloved young women, Mardi Gras Queen, councilwoman, mother and wife, friend, and catalyst for positive change in the city. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m. at the Bogalusa High School Auditorium.