Linda Fontaine Crank Moseley of Jacksonville passed away on Feb. 28, 2024. Born Sept. 3, 1927, in Louisa, Virginia, to William Earle Crank and Phyllis Fry Collins, Linda graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts in history and married Dr. Thaddeus Mortimer Moseley in Virginia in September of that year.
After moving to Jacksonville in 1950, she embarked on a dual career as a doctor’s wife and community volunteer. She was instrumental in various charitable organizations, including the United Way, March of Dimes and the Women’s Auxiliary at Duval County Hospital, for which she spearheaded fundraising endeavors to expand its mental health facilities. Her involvement with the Junior League led her to representation on the Speech and Hearing Clinic and Child Guidance board, eventually becoming president of the Jacksonville League and serving on the International Board and as chair of the Regional Nominating Committee. She was the first woman vice president of United Way and provided caring guidance on the boards for the Women’s Auxiliary, Jacksonville Symphony and Salvation Army, where she helped found the Salvation Army Auxiliary.
Linda’s passions led her community work as well. Her love of flowers and environmental issues inspired a decades-long involvement with the Watsonia Garden Circle. Her dedication to literacy led her to become a tutor and founding member of Learn to Read in 1969, president of the board and a champion for literacy throughout the community. She was actively involved with the organization and board of the Colonial Dames as well, utilizing her passion for Florida history and historic preservation. A devoted member of Riverside Presbyterian Church since 1953, Linda served in various capacities including Girls’ Choir Mother, committee member and Trustee.
Forever a loving matriarch, Linda was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Thad, in 2002. She is survived by their three children, Thaddeus Maury Moseley (Fiona Strathern), William Armistead Moseley (Margaret Cravey) and Stacy Fontaine Moseley Scherer (Joseph Scherer); five grandchildren, Virginia Fontaine Moseley, William Walker Moseley, Robert Armistead Moseley, Thaddeus Nicholas Scherer and Fontaine Lillian-Laura Scherer; and four great grandchildren, James Armistead Moseley, Frances Claire Moseley, Thomas Walker Moseley and Natalie Rae Moseley.
Linda balanced motherhood, marriage and community service with a grace and mastery few can match. She was a brilliant beauty, a thoughtful host and unyielding champion for her family and those in need. Her ability to see and draw out the good in people around her made her a charismatic leader, and one that Jacksonville will not soon forget. Her legacy lives on in the loved ones she leaves behind and the countless people her kindness has touched.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Ximenez-Fatio House in St. Augustine, Florida.