Linda Lorraine Keene

October 10, 1950 - May 27, 2022

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Linda Lorraine Keene, 71, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away Friday, May 27, 2022 after ending her courageous fight with leukemia.

Born in Bethlehem, PA, she was the daughter of the late Bruce Richard and Jeanne Robinson Keene.

Linda was a graduate of Wade Hampton High School Class of 1968. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Winthrop University in 1972 and Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina. Linda enjoyed sports and was a basketball coach at Eau Claire High School in Columbia for several years while simultaneously working on her master’s degree. She loved playing golf and softball and was an avid fan of USC football. She was serving on Winthrop University 50th reunion planning committee and was looking forward to their upcoming reunion this November. She had attended and was an active participant in every Winthrop University reunion for her graduating class, the class of 1972.

Linda was approached by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and gained entrance into their academy. She was a very proud graduate of the FBI Academy and then served as a special agent. During her career in the FBI, her focus was primarily on the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution in several areas: bank robberies, fugitives, and organized crime figures. She was recognized with incentive rewards throughout her career for investigative accomplishments, received squad MVP awards at various points in her career for investigative accomplishments, and received awards from the US Federal Prosecutor’s Office for successful investigations and assistance in criminal trials. Linda’s largest, most publicized cases involved the 9/11 terrorist investigations, Anthrax mailings, the DC sniper case, numerous Top Ten Wanted fugitive cases, and the investigations of countless serial bank robberies throughout numerous states.

As her way of giving back to the community and impacting future generations, Linda always looked forward to speaking to students and educating them on service in the FBI. In 2010 Linda was presented with Wade Hampton High School’s prestigious Legion of Honor Award. She was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by a sister, Deborah Keene Duncan of Greenville; two brothers, Bruce Richard Keene, Jr.and his wife Pam Woods Keene of St. Petersburg, FL, and Stuart Mathieu Keene and his wife Kim Albrecht Keene of Greenville; a niece, Brittani Keene Duffy and her husband Brendan Connor Duffy; two nephews, Cooper Harrison Baker and Kyle Mathieu Keene and his wife, Whitney Trexler Keene.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her nephew, Stuart Graham Baker, son of Deborah Keene Duncan.

Pall bearers will be Cooper H Baker, Kyle M Keene, Mike D Albrecht, and Brendan C Duffy.

In honoring Linda’s requests, private services will be held for her family and burial will take place in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Linda Lorraine Keene, 71, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away Friday, May 27, 2022 after ending her courageous fight with leukemia. Born in Bethlehem, PA, she was the daughter of the late Bruce Richard and Jeanne Robinson Keene. Linda was a graduate of Wade Hampton High School Class of 1968. She earnedContinue Reading

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Linda was a valued member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI Carolina Grand Strand Chapter, Myrtle Beach. She always supported our chapter and she will be greatly missed. We are very sorry for her loss. Many thoughts and prayers wishing you peace, comfort and the best of memories.

So sad to hear of Linda's passing. I worked with her in Trenton, NJ for quite a while and she was an exceptional agent who worked hard every day and was always reliable. She enjoyed her chosen profession and am sure she was ecstatic to be transferred back to SC. Condolences to her family and I will remember her fondly.

It seems like only yesterday that Linda and I were chasing down the bad guys, “fugitives and bank robbers.” As a first office agent, assigned to the Jackson, Mississippi field office, in the early 80’s, she unfortunately drew the short straw and got me as her senior training agent. It did not take me long to realize I didn’t know who would be training who. She was one of a handful of female agents, over my 32 year career with the FBI, I felt comfortable and confident in working cases with, regardless of the criminal violation. She probably is the only first office agent to received a letter of censure, followed by a letter of accommodation in the shooting arrest of a serial bank robber. The letter of accommodation was Deserved, however the censure was on me; but since we were together, the Bureau wanted us to share. Hopefully, the picture, if attached correctly, was taken during the investigation of a major bank robbery, kidnapping and killing of a bank teller, believe it was in 1981. The entire office, especially Linda, worked tiredless 24/7 for 30 dates before subject was apprehended. I was saddened to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful person, who will be missed. My Prayers to her family.
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I have such fond memories about Linda when she was assigned to the FBI Jackson, MS field office. She was diligent in her work and treated everyone as a good friend. I will be praying for all her family during this difficult time.

My deepest sympathy is extended to the family. I served on the 1972 reunion committee with Linda. She was a joy to know and work with and will be missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

To Linda's Family, My sincerest condolences on the passing of this wonderful person and former servant of the FBI. Linda was my training Agent in Jackson, Ms and co-owner of a townhouse together, when we both worked in the NYO. She taught me so much in BU Life; while I hopefully taught her a little about loving animals and things outside of the FBI 24/7 other than her love of golf. Oh, the stories we could share! As was typical of Linda, she was very close knit about family and friends. Since we both retired, we would stay in touch at Christmas and other events taking place usually involving the BU, but she never once mentioned her illness. Bless you all in this time of grieving, but know that she was loved, respected by not only myself, but many many others! Sincerely, Shelly C. Stuart, Class of 80-17, End of Duty 2005-12 Columbia, TN

I was sadden to hear of Linda’s passing. My deepest condolences to your family. Linda had many friends throughout her FBI career. God bless and may she rest is His compassionate, loving arms. Dorisse Newark Office

I am so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. She was always a big sister to look up to and what and an accomplished life she has lived. You will be in my thoughts. Debbie Martin Davis

I am Mak Kelliher, Chairman, Grand Strand Chapter (Myrtle Beach), Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. On behalf of my wife Barbara and I, as well as the members of our above Chapter, I extend our deepest sympathies to Linda's family regarding her passing. Personally I was fortunate to have worked with Linda for many years after she transferred to the FBI Myrtle Beach office. She was the consummate professional and also a good friend. I had also known Linda when we both worked for the FBI in New Jersey, Linda in Trenton and I in Cherry Hill. We were not aware that Linda was sick (although she attended our chapter meetings) and we were very saddened to hear of her passing. We will miss her.

Debbie, Bruce, and Stuart, your sister was one wonderful person! She made our high school years fun. I happened to see her one night on a PBS program, talking about the art theft at DeBordieu some years ago. It was great to see her again at our last pre-covid reunion. My deepest sympathy to you now.

Linda was my classmate and neighbor and friend for over 55 years. We were always so proud of her career and work ethic. Her bubbly personality was infectious to those around her, jokes and laughs were the order of the day . My family and I wish to send our condolences to her family for the loss of big sister Linda , a true leader and genuine good friend to all who knew her . Amen !!

Thinking of you all as you celebrate your father's remarkable life. We hope you feel surrounded by peace, love and support during this difficult time.

Gracious Lavender Basket was purchased for the family of Linda Keene by 2nd Wave Development. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Linda Keene

Linda was a great lady who dedicated her life to making our country a much safer place. I am humbled and honored to be able to say she is and always will be my sister-in-law. God will bless Linda and the Keene family.

My thoughts and prayers are with Linda’s family. I met her in 1968 at Winthrop and enjoyed her wit, wisdom and love for life. She truly was everyone’s friend and was a born leader who others migrated toward. I along with so many will miss her at every Winthrop event and annual beach trip. Rest In Peace, cherished friend.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.