After a long struggle with Parkinson’s and other health issues, Linda Gayle Kelley, 70, found peace and entered her eternal home on January 7, 2016.
She is survived by her son Butch Jones and wife Brenda Kay; daughters, Donna Lynn Jones, and Brenda Prior and husband Dan; two sisters, Ellen Walker and Pat Fletcher; grandchildren, Gayla Cloudt, Caleb and Colton Jones, and David Whisnant; brother-in -law Fred McGaha; special friend, Lupe Melvin, and beloved Feline Companion Max.
Linda is predeceased by her mother, Dollie M. Fletcher; brother, David W. Fletcher; and sister Bobbie Fletcher McGaha.
Few people knew the real Linda Gayle Kelley because she was quiet, shy, and extremely reserved in expressing her feelings. Because verbalizing was difficult for Linda, she displayed her love and affection by doing for others. By embroidering beautiful pillow cases, table cloths, baby blankets, bibs, and scarves, Linda shared her talents with numerous family members and friends. Those gifts are cherished today. Using her North Louisiana cooking skills, Linda often prepared and shared home cooked meals of baked chicken, field peas, butterbeans, corn, and corn bread. In fact, many requested the recipe for her tasty Jiffy cornbread.
Another of Linda’s gifts was staying in the background and wanting no attention. Often she rescued her loved one by assisting with chores such as shelling peas, cleaning kitchens, and providing free cat sitting services.
In November 2012 Linda moved from West Monroe to Lake Charles to be closer to her children. Blessed to reside in the Villas, a senior living facility filled with friendly, caring, and supportive individuals, Linda enjoyed being a part of that community.
Also Southern Home Health, Heart of Hospice, and Rosewood Nursing Facility provided excellent care during Linda’s illness. Although our loved one’s journey was difficult she and her faithful daughter and caregiver Donna met a multitude of compassionate health care professionals who made the journey sweet. The family expresses gratitude to each of you.
At her request, Linda was cremated. Her cremation was entrusted to Lakeside Funeral Home.
In the spring of 2016, her cremains will be buried near other family member Franklin Parish. A memorial service will be held at a later time.