Obituary of Linda Mead

Linda Mead 1/8/51 to 04/ 28/2020 Linda Mead, beloved wife of Kevin Mead, mother to Shannon and Jeffery Mead and grandmother to Jordin Mead gained her wings on April 28, 2020 after a long battle with a brain tumor. Linda grew up in Gainesville, Georgia where she stayed until 1971 when she enlisted in the United States Navy. In 1973 she married Kevin and they began their adventures as a military family. In August 1974 she gave birth to her first child Shannon Marie Mead followed by Jeffery Scott Mead in September of 1977. The family traveled to many locations during their time in the Navy such as La Maddalena Italy, San Diego, California, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Jacksonville Florida. In between travels, being a military wife, and a mother she enrolled in Concorde Career Institute where she excelled and completed her education and received her degree as a Dental Assistant. In 1993 the family settled back in Jacksonville, Florida upon Kevin’s retirement from the military, there Linda settled into a position as a dental assistant at Mayport Naval Station and stayed for 29 years. While there she was awarded many commendations for the job she performed and the years that she served. Linda enjoyed volunteering in local events throughout Jacksonville including Stuff the Bus, The 26.2 with Donna as well as the Heart Walk where she walked with her fellow employees from Mayport Dental Clinic. On December 1st, 1995, her granddaughter Jordin Amy- Nicole Mead was born and she became her pride and joy. Linda became a doting grandmother who loved traveling with Jordin to dance classes, and eventually to dance competitions all over Jacksonville. Together they enjoyed shopping trips, lunch dates, traveling and exploring different places together. In March 2016 Linda retired from her position at Mayport and along with Kevin bought a condo in Mandarin where she rekindled her love of sewing. She began to make quilts for which she donated to organizations focused on children. Later she became part of a sewing group that created gowns/ outfits crafted from old wedding dresses that were then given to families who suffered the loss of a child through still birth, or had a child born prematurely. She took great pride in her work and worked meticulously to make sure each gown was sewn with love and dedication. In July of 2019 she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and was unable to continue her sewing. She stayed the course with both chemotherapy, and radiation and fought until the very end. On April 28th, 2020 with her devoted husband by her side she passed away. She was preceded by her father Gene Haynes, Mother Patsy, Father-in-law Gale Mead and Mother -in-law Antonette Mead. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association. A remembrance ceremony will be announced and held at a later date.