Linda Lester (née Morgan), 72, passed away on March 25, 2025, in Greenwood, Mississippi. She was born on April 29, 1952, in McGehee, Arkansas.

Linda was a devoted mother to her three biological children and four stepchildren. She was known for her kindness, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to her family. A hard worker throughout her life, she was self-employed in various retail ventures and spent 25 years working for Sayle Oil Company. Her work brought her into contact with many people, and she never met a stranger—her warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A woman of deep faith, Linda was an active member of Blackhawk Baptist Church, where she served and played a key role in coordinating church functions. She found great joy in serving others and saw it as her purpose to be God's hands and feet in the world. Her passion for the Lord was evident in every aspect of her life. She loved reading the Bible and often engaged family members in thought-provoking discussions about scripture. In her later years, she proudly shared that she had read the Bible cover to cover more than 13 times.

Beyond her faith and work, Linda cherished the simple joys of life—spending time with family, caring for her pets, and nurturing those around her. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and role model whose guidance and compassion shaped the lives of those she held dear.

Linda is survived by her children: Tammy Everette Jones (Eddie), Thomas Everette Jr. (Mary Ann), Brandy Groves Smith (Jeremy), Maxine Lester Stanley (Mike), Deborah Marie Lester Schmitz (Mike), Frank Groves, and Jennifer Groves Stone (Steven). She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory: Alisha Everette Walsh (Patrick) and great-grandsons Thomas Patrick and Riley McMillon; Kayla Goss Kendall (Benji); Mari Delane Mims Howard (Bailey); Alison Everette; Morgan Mims; Sarah Kathryn Smith; Emily Pipkin Murphy (Casey) and great-granddaughters Skylar Hodges and Gracie Murphy; Michael Stanley and great-grandchildren Dawson, Treston, Weston, Cam, Nova, great great-grandchildren Sawyer and Elana; April Stanley and great-grandchildren Brianna and Jacob; Blake Jones (Camden) and great-granddaughter Sissy Kay; Cody Beavers; Candace Beavers and great-grandchildren Cohan, Tinsley, Cayne, and Spencer Tate; Reed Jones; Anna Groves; Aaron Stone (Leah); Caroline Groves; Lucas Stone; as well as nephew Stephen Akers (Jessica); sisters Lavon Hutcheson, Claudia Clark, Paula Boren, Frances Pesnell, and Vikki Morris. Linda also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews that she loved so dear.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther Thiele and Earl Morgan; her beloved husband, Fred Lester; siblings, Eva Joyce Moore, Earlene Sikes, and Frank Morgan.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Blackhawk Baptist Church Cemetery in Blackhawk, Mississippi. Reverend Thomas Everette Jr. will be officiating the service.

Pallbearers include grandsons: Morgan Mims, Cody Beavers, Blake Jones, Reed Jones, Benji Kendall, and Bailey Howard. Honorary pallbearers include Richie Mims, Patrick Walsh, Bill Fancher, Casey Murphy, and Michael Stanley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Blackhawk Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 34244 Hwy 430, Coila, MS 38923.

Linda's legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all who were blessed to have had her in their lives.