Tia Vidon Keith

Tia Vidon Keith, age 44, entered eternal rest on July 16, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1980, in Gainesville, Georgia, to Victor Donell Keith and the late Annie Pearl Smith Collins Austin. At an early age, Tia moved to Crossett, Arkansas, where she was raised and later graduated from Crossett High School as a member of the Class of 1998. Although Arkansas became home, Gainesville always held a special place in her heart. She spent many summers with her paternal family under the loving care of her Aunt Deborah Mack, who cherished and loved Tia as her own daughter. She also treasured the many outings, laughter, and unforgettable memories she shared with her beloved cousin, Charlotte Sosebee. Tia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a member of First Baptist Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in Gainesville, Georgia, and was also a fond attendee of Antioch Baptist Church on Mill Street, where she enjoyed worship and fellowship. Blessed with a creative spirit and a passion for helping others feel beautiful, Tia earned her cosmetology license from the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology in Buford, Georgia. She later fulfilled her dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur and the proud owner of Divine Designs, also known as Royal-T Styles Salon, where she established herself as a gifted Master Loctician. More than styling hair, Tia built relationships, inspired confidence, and created a welcoming space where everyone who entered felt valued, encouraged, and loved. Tia was preceded in death by her mother, Annie Pearl Smith Collins Austin; her brothers, Tito James Collins and Fred "T-Mac" Austin, Jr.; and her grandparents, William and Amanda Keith, Richard Smith, and Pearline Redding. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her father, Victor D. (Debra) Keith of Winder, Georgia; her devoted aunts, Deborah K. Mack of Gainesville, Georgia, Linda Webb of Anchorage, Alaska, Connie (Donnie) Sosebee of Gainesville, Georgia, Dora Nicely Ponder and Landa Maddox of Gainesville, Georgia, Faye Rochell, Barbara Edwards and Liz Edwards of Crossett, Arkansas, Jacqueline M. Dunn of Athens, Georgia and Jean (Charles) Newson of Watkinsville, Georgia; her uncles, Otis "Pee Wee" Wimberly of California, Dwayne Edwards and Cardel Edwards of Crossett, Arkansas, James "Sam" Shirley and Stacy Young of Gainesville, Georgia; Ira James (Gwen) Montague, Sr., of Durham, North Carolina, Michael Montague of Athens, Georgia and Gerald (Carla) Montague of Stockbridge, Georgia; her bonus brother, Rico Hawes of Gainesville, Georgia; her beloved godchildren, Quinton Nicely, Jr. and Ian Thompson, who held a special place in her heart; and a host of cousins who loved her dearly. She shared an especially close bond with her cousins Victoria Thomas, Tasha Shirley, Jackie Smith, Shavon Martin, Jermaine Cheeks, John “BJ” Wilkins, III of Gainesville, Georgia, and Jason Clark of New York. Tia also leaves behind many cherished friends whose lives were forever touched by her warmth, kindness, generous heart, infectious laughter, vibrant spirit, and radiant smile. To get to know Tia was to experience unwavering loyalty, genuine love, and a friendship that could always be counted on. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated, and her salon became much more than a place of business—it became a place of fellowship, encouragement, laughter, and lasting friendships. Tia also leaves behind many cherished friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, vibrant spirit, and beautiful smile. Among those who held a special place in her heart were her dear friends Tomeko Jones, Ashley Shields, Shakeela Watson, Nikiki Dudley Willis, Quinshell Mason-Statham, Brittney Wilmont, Edwina Anderson, Mary LaRosa, and Tia Bishop, whose love, friendship, and countless shared memories will forever remain a treasured part of her legacy. Tia's life was a beautiful reflection of resilience, compassion, faith, and love. She loved deeply, laughed wholeheartedly, and gave generously of herself. Whether she was caring for family, supporting a friend, or serving a client, she poured her heart into everything she did. Tia will be remembered for her deep love for family, her unwavering dedication to her craft, and the joy, kindness, and laughter she brought into the lives of everyone blessed to know her. Her beautiful spirit, warm heart, and radiant smile left an unforgettable impression on all who crossed her path. Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, her legacy, and the countless memories she created will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:23

Tia Vidon Keith

August 28, 1980 - July 16, 2026