Linda Hazel Blackburn

Linda (Ashby) Blackburn passed from this life November 10, 2023, at the age of 79 in the loving care of her daughter and son-in-law Carla and Mark Sykes in their home in Knoxville, TN.

Linda grew up in Bemis, TN and lived in Jackson, TN most of her adult life. She was a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor for many years. Linda found great joy in her life's professional work of helping adolescents and adults overcome addiction and supporting their families. She started and expanded behavioral health programs throughout the region. Linda loved and was deeply respected by colleagues in the court systems and medical community of West Tennessee. She spent decades bringing hope and healing to countless families. In 2015, she moved to Knoxville to assist her daughter in caring for her mother during the end of her life.

Linda was thankful to have been blessed with many friends who stood by her throughout her life, including her best friend of 70 years, Alice Arnette. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. Her children brought her great joy. She was perhaps most fulfilled in her role as grandmother and great-grandmother. Though she didn't always have much, she always looked for opportunities to give what she could to those she loved the most. She had a great eye for decorating and loved shopping for just the right home décor item. Linda also loved a trip to the casino, but she wants you to know free slot coupons aren't really free at all!

She was preceded in death by her father James Ashby, mother and stepfather George Leon and Margaret Steel Duggar; brother James "Pat" Ashby; daughter Carol Phillips Knolton; and many wonderful friends. Linda is survived and will be greatly missed by her children Chris (Diane) Phillips, Carla (Mark) Sykes, and Joseph Blackburn; grandchildren Maleika (Tyler) Peden and Marissa Phillips; Julia (Taylor) Wolfenbarger and Benjamin Hoskins; Amelia, Ronin, and Hayden Blackburn; and great-grandchildren Paisley, Caydence, Braxton, and Valen.

The family honored Linda's request for cremation. She will be laid to rest in Pleasant View Cemetery in Maynardville, TN following a graveside memorial service on Saturday November 18, 2023, at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda's honor to Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice (222 Heritage Blvd. in Newport, TN 37821; 800-358-7844). Smoky Mountain staff supported Linda and her family during the passing of her mother and daughter, and during Linda's final journey home. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.