Native Mississippian Linda Keys was born in Charleston, MS and graduated from a local high school in Quitman County. At the age of 17, Linda left to attend college at St. Louis University, and had a long and fruitful career at Ford Motor Company. She raised her two boys in St. Louis, only returning to Mississippi forty-four years later to be closer to her mom. Whilst a relaxing retirement was tempting, she was given a whole new mission in December of 2015. Her new purpose became reaching out and helping those who couldn’t help themselves. After meeting with community leaders, teachers, and neighbors, Mississippi Coats4Kidz was born.