Tanya Marie James-Keyes

Tanya Marie James-Keyes, age 44 of Springfield Township, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 10, 2017 due to complications of a 30-year battle with diabetes. She was born July 19, 1973 to Gary and Shelia James in Akron, Ohio.

Tanya was a 1991 graduate of Springfield High School and Akron Institute. While in high school, Tanya sang in various concerts and sang lead parts in stage plays such as South Pacific. Her passion for helping others was fulfilled as she worked as a phlebotomist at Akron City Hospital and a lab supervisor at Akron General Hospital.

Her world revolved around her beloved daughter, Mariah, and she loved to share with everyone her achievements and latest world travels. Mariah is and will forever be her pride and joy and her greatest accomplishment. She also cherished spending time with her nieces and nephews and was affectionately known as "TT". Tanya was well-known for her signature look of wearing a flower in her hair, bright lipstick and her eclectic style. Her holiday smock collection was priceless. She looked forward to dressing up every holiday just for an opportunity to make her patients and family smile.

Tanya is survived by her husband, Neil Keyes; daughter, Mariah Corene James; parents, Gary James, Sr. and Shelia James; grandmother, Corene Miller; mother-in-law, Dorothy Nell Keyes; brothers, Gary (Michelle) James, II, and Bo (Jena) James; sister, Stacey James; uncles, Larry (Suyapa) Miller, Dale (Lori) Miller, Curtis (Barbara) Miller, Tejori James; aunts, Ann (James) Bratcher, Pamela Cheatham, Pamela Miller; nephews, Brandon, Hunter, River, Brody; nieces, Haley, Leann, J'Lyn; great-niece, Alaina; brothers-in-law, Joey Keyes, Tim Keyes; sisters-in-law, Barbara Keyes, Constance Keyes, Glenda (John) Keyes-Stevens; step-daughters, Jamalyn King, Jenai King, Jarae King, Jayla King; and a host of cousins in the Akron, Atlanta and Colorado areas.

Tanya is preceded in death by her grandfather, Will Miller; her grandparents, Edward James and Wanda James; uncle, Willie Shelton; and brother-in-law, Brian Keyes.

Pastor Joseph Serbin will officiate at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron, at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 17, 2017.

Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.

The family wishes to gratefully thank all of Tanya's doctors over the years that have tried to assist her in managing this horrible disease. A special thanks to all the City of Akron and City of Green's paramedics that responded sometimes weekly to help her with low blood sugar. You all know who you are and we thank you!

Condolences can be sent to 2074 Oakes Dr. Ext., Akron, OH 44312. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tanya's GoFundMe account.