Carol Elizabeth Tincher Keith's Obituary
Carol Keith passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faith, music, education, and devotion to family and community.
Born on October 20, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, Carol was the daughter of the late Robert Ronsheim Tincher and Roxanna F. McNay Tincher. From an early age, she developed a deep love for music, a passion that would define much of her life's work and enrich the lives of countless others.
Carol graduated from Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio, and earned her master's degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She taught elementary and middle school students for 25 years in Westfield, New Jersey, sharing her talents generously with the children, giving them a lifelong appreciation of choral music.
A gifted and accomplished cellist, she performed with the Germantown Symphony Orchestra, was active in string quartet groups, and loved teaching young students the fundamentals of string instruments.
Carol was active in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary for over 10 years serving as Flotilla Commander in 2000.
On July 4, 1983, Carol married Philip B. Keith Jr. They made their home in Millington, Tennessee, where they lived from 1983 until 2024. In 2024, Carol moved to Bartlett, Tennessee, where she spent the final years of her life.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Carol was a devoted member of the Christian Science Church in Memphis, Tennessee, for 43 years. Her quiet strength, compassion, and steadfast faith were evident in the way she lived and served others.
Carol is survived by her sister, Judith L. Peterson of Warwick, Rhode Island, and her stepchildren: Philip Keith III of Long Beach, Mississippi; Linda Tammen of Long Beach, Mississippi; John Keith of Mobile, Alabama; and David Keith of Terrytown, LA.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Philip B. Keith Jr, and her sisters, M. Diane Mennella of New York, New York, and Virginia Caldwell McNay of Whittlesford, Suffolk, United Kingdom.
Carol will be remembered for her gracious spirit, unwavering faith, extraordinary musical gifts, and the lasting influence she had as a teacher, mentor, and friend. Whether through the music she performed, the students she encouraged, or the kindness she extended to those around her, she leaves a legacy that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
A private burial will be held at a later date.
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