Linda H. Lunsford

Linda Howard Lunsford grasped our Healer's hand October 1, 2011 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born June 4, 1940 in Troup, TX to T.O. and Blanch Howard. Their family moved to Arp when Linda was young and she attended school there, graduating in 1958. She married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Lunsford, on December 23, 1958. Together with God they built a legacy and lived a love story that has no ending. Linda worked at Hydrolex for many years, but when her parents' health began to fail she joyfully devoted herself to their care. Her family was her passion and she poured herself out as a love offering to us daily. She was a tender mother and fierce defender who became the proud Nana that attended school functions, ball games, dance recitals, and tea parties for two. Her "magic couch" was her grandchildren's choice location for recovery. Cowboy cookies after school drew her grandchildren to her kitchen. Her children soon followed and often found a favorite dinner, tight hugs, and encouraging words in the middle of the week. Her love was extravagant and consistent. Linda ran her race well all the way to the end. After accepting Christ as a young child, she faithfully served our Lord throughout her life. She taught us how to be the hands and feet of God, loving Him by loving others. At 71 years of age, she was serving in the children's ministry at Spring Hill First Baptist Church as a preschool Sunday School teacher. After her recent diagnosis, she was walked Home by her husband, Jerry Lunsford; the man who never left her side and who shares the promise that this is not the end. Left to continue the legacy are their children, Craig Lunsford, Christi Comer, Lori McNeese and husband, James McNeese, all of Longview. Cherishing the memories are her seven grandchildren, Grace Lunsford, Jeremy Comer, Casey Comer, Justin Comer, Shelby McNeese, Corben McNeese, and Mabry McNeese and two great grandchildren, Brayden Comer and Riley Atchley. Standing in the gap for her was her sister, Nancy Stewart of Frankston and husband Rick and her sister-in-law, Barbara Hubbard along with several nieces and nephews whom she loved completely. Waiting for her in Heaven were her parents, her brother, Charles Howard and her son-in-love, Joey Comer. A memorial service will be held at 11AM Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Spring Hill First Baptist Church with Brother Wayne Spanhanks officiating. Burial will be in Rosewood Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Monday evening at the funeral home. The family request that memorial donations be made to Spring Hill First Baptist Church 4000 Gilmer Road Longview, Texas 75604. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:28

Linda H. Lunsford

June 4, 1940 - October 1, 2011