April 24, 1933 - September 30, 2023
Joan Curtis McKeithen, born on April 24, 1933 in Tampa, FL, passed away on September 30, 2023 in Bradenton, FL. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her peaceful passing.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Walter Shands McKeithen; her parents, Omer and Dorothy Curtis; and her brother, Paul Curtis. She is survived by her children; Ken (Wendi) McKeithen; Julie (Stephen) Prielozny; Edward (Patricia) McKeithen and Michael McKeithen; her 7 grandchildren; Melissa, Kathryn (Ruud), Shands (Kalie), Julia (Weston), Matthew, Christine, and Michael; and her great-granddaughter, Julie.
Raised in Jacksonville Beach, she graduated from Fletcher High School. She attended Rollins College and then graduated from Florida State University. After college she went to work for Proctor and Gamble. She met the love of her life Walter Shands McKeithen in Jacksonville and married him in San Clemente, CA where he served as a Navy physician. They moved to New Orleans, LA and then to St. Petersburg, FL where Shands practiced medicine and she raised their children and actively volunteered in her community. She was involved in the St. Petersburg Junior League, her children's schools, her church, and the St. Petersburg art community. In 2004 Joan and Shands moved to Bradenton, FL. She particularly loved being with her grandchildren and was an active participant in their daily lives. She loved to travel, create art, and garden.
A Service and Reception will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to giving@rollins.edu
