Linda Diane Bryant

Linda Diane Bryant, 69, most recently of Oldsmar, Fla., passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Prior to moving to Pinellas County she was a resident of and public educator in Key West, Fla. for over 30 years. She was born on September 23, 1949, the daughter of the late Robert Theo and Betty Abigail (McDow) Lenhardt in Alton, Illinois; and married her husband, Harry, on July 26, 1981. She attended Alton High School (class of ’67) and MacMurray College (class of ’71; bachelors in secondary English education) in Illinois prior to moving to Georgia then Key West. Linda was a beloved high school English teacher for over 27 years. She was previously married to John Russell and Robert Monroe Wooten Sr.

Linda moved to Key West in the mid-70s and served Glynn Archer and Key West High School as an English teacher, Volleyball Coach, Class Sponsor and Booster. An honorary Conch, Linda spent much of her free time serving her students and her community through the Key West High School Boosters, Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, Retired Teachers Association and Southernmost Lions Club. Both she and her husband Harry gave generously to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, SPCA, and Humane Society.

Linda was also an avid singer and piano player, playing the organ and singing duets with her mother at Holy Innocents Episcopal; singing Handel’s Messiah each year with the Keys Chorale; and serving as a choir member at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She was a member of Holy Innocents and St. Paul’s Episcopal Churches where she frequently served as a lay reader. For a time in the Keys she was also a skilled angler, winning numerous awards for her abilities and remained a life-long animal lover. Proud of her heritage, Linda was a member of the Ninian Edwards Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Alton IL receiving awards for citizenship, service and dedication. Linda was also a member of the International Order of the Rainbow Girls; Alton Senior High Pep Club, Drama Club “the Masquers” Florida Retired Teachers Association; Alpha Delta Kappa – International Honorary Society for Women Educators; Monroe County Teachers Union; and National Council of Teachers of English.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Liz Wooten-Reschke and her grandchildren, Caleb and Arden Reschke. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest “Harry” Bryant in 2010 and her dear friend Eleanor “Miss Ellie” Nodine in 2001. Memorial services will be held in both Tampa Bay and Key West. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in her memory to Suncoast Hospice, Florida Key SPCA or Key West High School Booster Club.