Rhanda Dover Keyes (1949 – 2024)

It is with great sadness our family announces the passing of Rhanda Keyes (Dover), 74 of Dawsonville, GA. Rhanda passed away unexpectedly Monday February 5, 2024. She was born in Atlanta, GA on September 30, 1949 to Frances Steel Dover and Roy Randolph Dover.

Rhanda had a wonderful childhood growing up Loring Heights, Atlanta. Highlighted by many extended summer vacations across the continental United States including Alaska. Rhanda loved the many outdoor activities shared with her father. As an avid hunter, her father owned a prize winning hunting dog named Jake. Rhanda’s love for Jake was just the beginning of her life long love for animals. She had many fond memories of spending time with her extended family including summers on Lake Lanier where she and her sister Nan learned to water ski at an early age.

Rhanda attended North Side High School in Atlanta followed by University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA. Where she became an active member of Phi Mu fraternity. Later, her daughter would attend UWG and join Phi Mu following in her mother’s footsteps.

Rhanda was married to Stephan S. Keyes in Atlanta in 1982 and subsequently moved to Chicago. For 3 years, She worked as a sales manager for a women’s apparel line in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. In her free time she spent many hours exploring her favorite museum, The Art Institute of Chicago and enjoyed an active social life including sailing on Lake Michigan and many life long friends.

Rhanda’s life then took a different direction in 1985 when she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Katharine “Katie” Elizabeth Keyes. As a new mother, it was her time to shine!

Now a devoted full time mother, Rhanda spent hours with Katie taking her for walks through the Lincoln Park Zoo, socializing with friends who had children of similar ages and of course hours spent in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Rhanda returned to her beloved Atlanta in 1989 and moved to the community of Peachtree Corners. As her daughter Katie grew so did Rhanda’s involvement in the community and the school. She applied her creative art talents to decorating, painting, and volunteering for various school activities.

Katie brought home a miniature pincher puppy named Nicky. At first Rhanda was not fond with the idea of a dog, until the dog firmly attached herself to Rhanda. The emotional floodgates opened and she fell in love with Nicky. Nicky became a loved family member for 14 years. When Nicky passed away Rhanda became devoted to rescuing small breed dogs.

Rhanda then started a very successful interior design business with a focus on painting murals and faux finishes. She collaborated with many of Atlanta’s top designers. She maintained her business for 25 years until she retired to Lake Lanier. At the Lake she continued her passion for oil painting and was selected to the be a member of the prestigious Oil Painters of America.

Rhanda devoted her love and energy to animals by volunteering and managing the Upscale Resale Boutique benefiting the Dawson County Humane Society animal shelter.

Rhanda cultivated an environment where everyone was welcome. Neighbors and friends became family. Katie’s friends loved spending time with Rhanda. At the lake, countless hours were spent laughing and talking with Rhanda. She was a bonus mom & best friend to many. She was always the best dressed, and knew how to make anyone feel loved. Many of these memorable gatherings were finished with a big helping of Rhanda’s famous pecan pie.

Throughout life, Rhanda leaned into her relationship with her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. She chose to live her life with a servants heart, striving to bring happiness and love to all who crossed her path. (Galatians 5:13)

She was a devoted friend, wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, “stand in mom”, and so much more to everyone who knew her. She was an amazing grandmother to her 2 grandchildren who lovingly called her “Mimi”. Rhanda truly treasured the time she spent time with her grandchildren.

Rhanda loved her family unconditionally.

Rhanda is survived by her daughter: Katie (Keyes) and Jace Richter. She is also survived by her sister: Nan Smith. As well as her two grandchildren: Sam & Autumn as well as two nephews, and cousins all whom Rhanda cherished dearly. As well as Lucy, her beloved Toy Fox Terrier.

Rhanda was predeceased by her mother and father, Frances Steel Dover and Roy Randolph Dover.

To honor Rhanda’s life and celebrate her memories Katie will be hosting a celebration of life at The Lodge in Chestatee on Sunday March 3rd from 4-6pm. Please refer to the ‘events’ tab for more information.

In lieu for flowers please consider donating the Dawson County Humane Society in Rhanda’s name. You can find the link under the “Give” tab.

She is gone too soon and will be dearly missed. We love you forever.

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