Linda Keith

On Saturday, May 23, 2020 Linda Gale Parten Keith left this crazy world and went home to be with God. She was 71.

Gale was born in June of 1948 in Waxahachie, Texas to William H. (Buster) and Alma Ruth (Smith) Parten. She worked for 30+ years for Bank of America, retiring as an Assistant VP.

Since sitting still was never an option for her, she soon had other jobs that took up her time, because no one ever really retires.  She worked for Turquoise Haven where she had many duties and wore many hats. She worked part time at Cato for a short time, but her true love was working at Funday School at First Methodist Church 2 days a week and First Christian Day School the remaining 3 days where she also worked after care until 5:30 each day. She beat the sun rise every morning and worked until darkness came each evening. She even worked on Sundays keeping the church nursery.

Gale loved working with her students, and they loved her, each one held a special place in her heart, especially her best buddy Jack.

Gale had a strong faith and knew where she was going when she left her earthly body, she not only worked at First Christian Church, but was also a member, it was rare she wasn’t in attendance every Sunday.

She loved estate sales, antiques, baking, reading, comedy, black and white movies, and the DIY channel and working in her yard. She was known for her quick wit, her kind and generous spirit. She had the patience of a saint and the strength of a warrior.

Fifteen years ago, she was attacked by an unknown intruder that broke into her home in the wee hours of the morning. She fought off a man who beat her severely with a lead pipe, suffering many injuries, all while protecting her grandsons who were watching this horrible crime. Unfortunately, the attacker was never caught, but that only made her stronger and more determined to overcome anything that ever came her way.

Gale was passionate about her family, especially her two grandsons, they were truly the loves of her life! She loved them BIG, scolding them when they needed it, guiding them through tough times, helping them stay on their paths to reach their goals and celebrating their every accomplishment. Gale was also very protective of her family, always seeing the good in everyone and trusting anyone who walked through the front door, but if anyone mistreated, deceived or hurt their hearts, her very much “Momma Bear” attitude came out.

Gale had an abundance of buddies and coworkers who loved her so much and she was proud to call each one friend. She made a huge positive impact on many people and her absence will be felt forever.

Gale was preceded in death by her parents Buster and Ruth Parten and she is survived by her daughter Stacey Tompkins and son-in-law Andrew who was the only one she would ask for at times during the final few weeks of her journey. Grandson, Brandt Burleson and fiancé Devin Chandler and Grandson Blake Burleson. Step granddaughters Harper and Hadley Tompkins. Brother David Parten, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special niece Melissa Cagle. Ex-husband J.C. Wilson and wife Shirley whom she was still remarkably close friends with, as well as numerous friends and coworkers.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made in her name to Funday School at FUMC in Waxahachie or First Christian Day School @ First Christian Church in Waxahachie.