Linda Carol Maness

In the quiet embrace of mid morning on October 5, 2023, Linda C. Maness, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at Palestine Regional Medical Center, Palestine, Texas. She was gracefully ushered into the eternal embrace of Jesus, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Born on April 30, 1943, in Fairfield, Texas to Sam Wood Watson and Cloteal Elizabeth (Blount) Watson, Linda was a beacon of light from the moment she entered this world. A compassionate soul, she touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Linda called Centerville, Texas her home since 1991, where she built a life deeply rooted in love and faith.

Linda's daughter Marnie and her grandchildren, Sami and Ethan were her greatest joys. She was a woman of unwavering devotion, finding solace within her faith which provided her strength through life's trials and triumphs. She exemplified the virtues of kindness, humility, and compassion, offering open arms and a listening ear to anyone in need. Her spirit was pure, her heart open, and she treated all with warmth and impartiality.

During her professional journey, Linda achieved great success at Royall National Bank in Palestine, Texas eventually rising to the position of President. But, she perhaps became most well known during her tenure as a Loan Officer. In this role, her warm and welcoming demeanor helped her establish a heartfelt rapport with the community. She was beloved by both customers and colleagues. In 1996, after a remarkable career, Linda retired, leaving behind a shining example of integrity and leadership.

Linda and her husband, Melvin retired to Centerville where she was employed by Leon County as a Deputy County Clerk and quickly became known to all as "MeMaw." Her dedication to public service mirrored her genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Linda nourished her soul through the simple joys of life. She loved working in her yard: planting beautiful flowers and spending time nurturing her Koi pond. She had a great love for cooking, serving up the most delicious food and desserts which her family delighted in eating. Her kitchen was always open to anyone in need of a hot meal and cup of coffee.

A social butterfly by nature, Linda cherished moments spent in the company of friends and family. She possessed the incredible ability to light up any room she entered, greeting each person with her infectious smile and compassionate heart. She was a classy, high-heel loving lady who was feisty, quick-witted, and a "hoot" to be around. Linda loved her sisters, and the four were affectionately known by all their kids and grandkids as "The Sister Train"--nothing got by them!

Linda was preceded in death by both of her parents and husband, Melvin Maness. She is survived by her loving daughter, Marnie Wood & husband, Doyle of Palestine; grandchildren, Samantha Teal Killion & husband, Cody of Palestine and Ethan Tolvis Wood of Ft. Worth; great-grandchildren, Haylee & Wylie Killion; sisters, Marilyn Havard of Madisonville, Molly Standley of Madisonville and Tommie Johnson & husband, Bill of Centerville; sister-in-law, Jackie Maness of Ft. Collins, CO and special friends, Linda Wickware, Carla McEachern, Janice West, Jerlene Wood, Carol Isbell, Nita Faulkner and Wanda Beil. Linda will also be fondly remembered by numerous beloved nieces and nephews . Each will hold onto the memories shared, finding solace in the legacy of love that Linda has left behind.

As we gather to honor Linda's beautiful life, a funeral service will be held on October 7, 2023, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas at 11 A.M. Prior to the service, a visitation will take place at 10 A.M. where loved ones can pay their respects and share fond memories of this remarkable woman.

In accordance with her wishes, Linda will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband of fifty-one years in Liberty Cemetery north of Centerville, Texas. As we bid our final farewells, let us carry Linda's loving spirit within us, continuing to spread kindness, compassion, and joy, just as she did throughout her remarkable life.

In memory of Linda C. Maness, a beacon of light, may we find solace in the countless memories she left behind.

Pallbearers: Brandon Standley, Tyson Johnson, Jonathan Lawrenz, Jason Lawrenz, John Awalt, Steve Baker

Honorary Pallbearers: Kenneth Baker, Larry Hannon, Lowell Clay, Steve Awalt, Alan Isbell

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are kindly requested to Liberty Cemetery Association, c/o Tommie Johnson, P.O. Box 464, Centerville, Texas 75833.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.