Linda Tanner Keith

Linda Tanner Keith ascended into heaven peacefully with her family by her side on the morning of Monday, September 11, 2023, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. She was born on March 31, 1947, in Waycross, Georgia to Gladys Juanell Tanner and David Cleveland “DC” Tanner, Jr.  She was a 1965 graduate of Waycross High School. After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Mateland “Red” Lestery Keith, Jr and attended Ware Technical School.  After completing school, she had a successful career as an executive assistant before moving to Brandon, FL to start a family. 

Spanning the 35 years of her husband’s executive career with GTE, Linda played a vital role in partnering with Mateland in helping to support his responsibilities both domestically and internationally.  Together, “Red” and Linda were a dynamic duo who were involved in many philanthropic endeavors, community engagements, and who loved traveling the world together. 

Linda was a beloved wife, mother, friend, and “Grandma” who loved spending time with her family and her “furbabies” (Sugar Bear, Xan, & Kiki). She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed cheering on her Jacksonville Jaguars and Georgia Bulldogs. She is remembered for the love that she spread to everyone. She gave generously of her time to care for others and loved celebrating every “Hallmark” occasion. She truly was a gift, and she will be greatly missed. 

Linda was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Mateland Lestery Keith, Jr.; her father, David Cleveland Tanner, Jr.; and her mother, Gladys Juanell Bennett. 

Linda is survived by her daughter, Heather Keith Pressler (spouse, Leigh Pressler) of Fleming Island, FL; her son, Mateland “Les” Lestery Keith, III (spouse, Sarah Gastel) of Venice, FL; her brothers, David Tanner of Waycross, GA; and Dave Purchase (spouse Janet Purchase) of Mississauga, Canada; and her many nieces and nephews. 

In addition, Linda is survived by her most treasured gifts, her grandchildren, Mateland Keith, IV (spouse, Kat Keith) of Indianapolis, IN; Hanna Keith and Aubrie Keith of Ft. Worth, TX; and Rhianna Pressler and Bethany Pressler of Fleming Island, FL. 

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. 

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Linda Tanner Keith, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.