Vanda Jean Keith

Vanda Jean Keith, age 79, was called to be with her Lord on November 9, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Jean was born on February 12, 1938, in San Antonio to George and Bertha Ferrero. Jean was one of a kind. She lived life to the fullest, exhibiting strength of character and compassion to all. Jean never met a stranger and she leaves behind many, many grieving friends and family members.

Jean grew up in San Antonio and attended Harlandale High School, graduating at age seventeen. She attended Southwest Texas State University earning a degree in secondary education in just three years while making many lifelong friends. Through those friends, she met the love of her life, Alton Keith, and married him in 1958. Jean and Al spent 42 years together traveling the world with Al’s Air Force assignments, collecting friends along the way and raising their two daughters, Pam and Jeanette.

Jean taught school while her daughters were young and coordinated the master’s program for University of Southern California for a number of years after her daughters were grown. When Al retired from the Air Force in 1984, they settled in Austin. Jean went to work for The State Board of Public Accountancy where she was the Director of Licensing Services until her retirement in 2014. Jean enjoyed working at the Board and cherished her co-workers.

Jean had many varied interests and hobbies. During Al’s years in the military, Jean was active in the Officers’ Wives Clubs wherever they traveled. She held numerous offices over the years and could always be counted on to get the job done all while having fun. She bowled, golfed, painted, sewed and enjoyed going to the movies or reading a good book. She was an usher for the Austin Symphony and had season tickets to the Broadway series for years. She loved her church family and Sunday school friends and volunteered at the church regularly, completing her tasks with gusto; whether it be counting the offerings, folding newsletters or helping with Vacation Bible School. Bridge was a lifelong passion for Jean and she probably already has a table going in heaven.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her beloved sister, Sharon Ferrero Wells. She is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Pam and Doug Fusella, and Jeanette Keith and Liz Scaggs; her cherished granddaughter, Ryan Fusella Beeman and her husband, Gavin; her nieces, who she loved like daughters, Stacee Wells Howse and her husband, Mike, and Erin Wells Jackson; her grand-nephew, Tanner Howse; and her grand-niece, Taylor Jackson.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. The service to honor Jean will be held on November 20, 2017, at 11am, in the Family Life Center at Manchaca United Methodist Church. The family would like to thank the medical team at Texas Oncology for the care and compassion they showed to Jean and her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, Manchaca United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.