A Memorial Service for Linda Carol Thomas, 74, of Woodlawn, will be held at 10:00a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2019 in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home. Visitation with family and friends will take place Friday, September 13, 2019 from 5:00p.m. – 7:00p.m., at Downs Funeral Home. Linda passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2019 in Marshall, Texas.

Linda Carol Thomas was born October 25, 1944 in North Zulch, Texas to Colonel Christopher and Ulma Branch. Linda was raised and attended school in North Zulch, Texas. While in school Linda loved to play and excelled in Basketball. She also learned to play piano at a young age, a hobby she would foster for many years, even playing for Woodlawn Baptist Church many years ago.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be well remembered for many things including her cooking, her warm smile, helpful nature, ability to listen and offer advice, and the love she gave to all who knew her. But, many will argue her laugh will be their most cherished memory. When she laughed, you knew it came from a place of pure joy and happiness! Linda was a meticulous woman, both in her personal appearance and daily life. If there was something to be done, she was going to do it right. Her yard was always perfectly maintained and the grass never grew beyond ankle deep. Working in her yard gave her great pride and peace. Her hair was always on point, and clothes always ironed. One thing Linda was not a fan of, technology. But, she purchased an i-Phone and learned to text so she could better keep in touch with her grandchildren and receive pictures of her great-grandchildren. Family was everything to her. She was Mom to her four sons and daughter, and answered to Gran Gran, GG, and Greasy Granny (her favorite) to her eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Many will remember Linda from her years of service at Thiokol, Joy Manufacturing, and Wesco Valve. After her retirement, she took on a few cleaning jobs and worked part-time at Downs Funeral Home where she greeted everyone with a warm smile. When not at work Linda enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and NASCAR with her sons. She also enjoyed playing with her beagle, Harley, whom she loved dearly. One of her favorite pastimes was playing cards with family and friends. You never really knew Linda until you sat down at the card table. She would push grandkids out of chairs, feed you until you were ready to pop, and laugh like there was no tomorrow.

Linda was a caretaker of everyone, but never wanted anyone to feel they had to take care of her. She was a strong woman who dedicated her life to her family and friends.

Surviving Linda are her five children and their spouses, Gary Maxwell and wife, Gillian; Jan Weesner and husband, Charles; Jamie Thomas and wife, Josie; Brad Thomas and Traci; Rodney Thomas and wife, Traci; her eleven grandchildren, and their spouses, Michael Weesner; Katelyn Maxwell Tibbits and husband, Jarryd; Adrienne Wade and husband, Geremi Wade; Candace Weesner Jorski and husband, Jarrod; Taylor Thomas Williams; Chandler Thomas Spinks and husband, Trey; Righley Thomas Pritchett and husband, Nathan; Ashleigh Thomas; Blake Simmons; Chris Simmons; and Mallory Maxwell. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, including her best friend who was more like a sister, Sandra Oney.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, C.C. Branch and Ulma Branch; sisters, Mildred Branch, Jean Morton, and Annette Kaiser; and her husband, Jim Thomas.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Barbolla, the 5 ^th floor nurses and doctors of Christus Good Shepherd, Marshall, and the employees and family at Downs Funeral Home for their warmth, caring, and kindness during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.