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Winifred Margaret Key Elliott

Winifred Margaret Key Elliott, of Aspen, died July 14 after a brief illness. She was 87 years old.

Winifred was the loving wife of the late Rev. Dr. John F. Elliott. She was born in Jacksboro, Texas, and grew up in Marshall, Texas, where she graduated from high school and attended the College of Marshall (now East Texas Baptist University). She earned her Bachelor of Arts cum laude in English from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and her M.A. in English from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She also did graduate work in music and Christian education at Wheaton College, in Illinois, and held a Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate from the Texas Education Agency.

Winifred’s 34-year teaching career included Azle High School, the Fort Worth Independent School District, and Tarrant County Community College, all in Texas. In her career as a vocal musician, she was an accomplished soprano soloist for many churches in Texas and Virginia. As a composer and author, she wrote and copyrighted over 450 songs and 27 books, including the Key Music Series, a collection of 14 books with worldwide circulation.



In 1999, she joined her son, Steve, and his wife, Carole, in Aspen, and resided at Castle Creek Terrace. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Aspen.

Winifred was proud to be a descendent of Francis Scott Key, author of “The Star Spangled Banner,” and a descendent of the Spöhr family of musical fame.




She is survived by sons Steve (Carole) Elliott of Aspen, and Dr. Paul Elliott of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren John and Elizabeth Elliott of Dallas, Texas; brothers Dr. Charles Key of Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Thomas Key of Newton, Miss.; and sister Cecilia Dunkin of Walnut Creek, Calif. She was preceded in death by her son Andrew Elliott and her brother Dr. Harold Key.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Aspen on Friday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m., followed by a potluck lunch in the fellowship hall.