Robyn Keels

Robyn Irene Keels, born July 30, 1962, in Philadelphia, PA, was the seventh child of nine born to the late John Henry and Gloria Jean Griffin. John Griffin, Jr., Anna Griffin, Earletta Tillman, Dorothy "Dottie" Griffin Cain, and Barbara Thomas preceded her in death. Robyn was educated in the Philadelphia, PA school system and graduated from the Benjamin Franklin Learning Center. In September 1990, Robyn was joined in marriage to
Shawn Keels, and through that union, Robyn gave birth to two wonderful young men who were her heartbeats, Travis and Andre' Keels.

Robyn began her journey into the music ministry at the age of 12. Robyn made her musical debut as the pianist for the BJ Byrd's Youth Choral Ensemble of St. John Freewill Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. She continued to grow both as a singer and musician as a member of The
Young Delegation, a gospel-recording group well-known in the 1980s. The Young Delegation was blessed to perform with gospel and R&B greats such as Walter Hawkins, Rance Allen, and Patti LaBelle. As she continued her journey, she was blessed to work with various choirs and churches, both in Philadelphia, PA and Richmond, VA. Robyn served as the Director of Likeness Performing Arts (LPA), a ministry inspired by her sister, the late Rev. Dottie Griffin Cain. She was also a faithful member of The Gospel Music Workshop of America, Richmond
Division, and The Musician's Recap: 804. In the early 1980s, Robyn moved to Richmond, VA, where joined the Christian Tabernacle
Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Dr. Robert E. Williams, Sr. Robyn served as the Minister of Music for Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church for 15 years. Robyn went on to serve as the Minister of Music/Musician for Great Hope Baptist Church, First Shilo Baptist, Shalom Baptist Church, Woodville of the Nazarene, and various other churches throughout Richmond and surrounding areas. At the time of her passing, Robyn was the Minister of Music at the Woodville Church of the Nazarene, and she was a faithful member of The Community's
Christian Church under the leadership of Rev. Alvin Hill. On the morning of September 30, 2021, Robyn left on her journey into Glory to be with the Everlasting Father whom she loved. She leaves to follow her home: sons, Travis and Andre' Keels; into her heart a special mother, Elder Deborah McCoy (Michael); brothers, Eric J.C. Griffin (Gail) and Bobby Griffin; sisters, Tiffany Williams, Brenda Brooks-Griffin, Jennifer
Robinson, Janice, and D. Dineen Ragan, Regina Johnson (Charles), and Adrea McCoy; uncle, Charles Robinson; nieces, Erika McCray, Nicole Griffin, Fatima Wilson, and Adreana Thomas; nephews, Rahsaan Ragan (Donnell), Eric Griffin, Jr., Bobby Weddington, Gregory Thomas,
Sr. (Joi), Zimir El, and "Auntie's Darling," Trent A. Williams; godchild, Michael J. Williams; a host of great nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as a multitude of friends.

Robyn did not confine her love of music to just playing as a paid musician. She often utilized her talents to serve as a teacher/mentor to other up-and-coming musicians. When not sitting in front of a keyboard or organ, you could find Robyn perfecting her dance moves or just hanging out with family and friends. In the words of Robyn Keels: "I live to worship You; I worship You to live! It is an honor to serve the Father through the Ministry of Music. It is not a position; it is a calling."

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Living Word Tabernacle at 2:00PM.