Linda Elaine Durham

Linda Elaine Durham, affectionately known to all as Mrs. Linda, met her Lord and Savior face to face on June 26, 2025, after a valiant 24-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Born November 4, 1950, in Huntsville, Alabama, she was a beacon of love, faith, and dedication that shone brightly in the community.

Mrs. Linda was a true servant of God, glorifying His name through her actions and her spirit. She was not only a loving wife to her devoted husband Ralph Durham for 55 blessed years, but also a nurturing mother to her children: Jennifer (Herb) Gartman, Nathan Durham, and Melody McRannolds. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she embraced her roles with joy and fervor, leaving a legacy of love manifested through her grandchildren Coty Bonesio, Megan Bonesio, Chloe Gartman, Tiphanie Durham, Jacob McRannolds, Aidan McRannolds, and Peyton McRannolds, and her precious great-grandchildren, Addyson Durham, Blake Norman, and one on-the-way, Cyrus Jaxson. Each child was cherished deeply.

Throughout her years, Mrs. Linda dedicated herself to many noble pursuits, starting as a seamstress at Lake Butler Apparel after moving to Lake Butler, and later as a billing specialist at Lake Butler Hospital, ultimately retiring from the Department of Corrections in the medical warehouse. She was skilled not just in work, but she was an excellent seamstress and cook, and those who had the fortune of tasting her dishes can attest to the flavor that nourished the body and warmed the soul.

Mrs. Linda was a vibrant teacher at heart, relishing the opportunity to share God’s word with the young ones through Vacation Bible School and Sunday teaching. Her faith and willingness to serve extended not only to church members but to the entire community, as she often took on the role of grandmother to many. Mrs. Linda also had a fondness for the Appalachian Mountains; not only the beauty, but the culture and music associated with it.

In life, there are always trials and tribulations, and Mrs. Linda faced hers with grace. Unified in faith, she carried her burdens quietly, leading others to be inspired by her steadfastness. Those of us left behind are profoundly grateful for the many lessons she imparted upon us—the most important being the art of loving the Lord wholeheartedly and serving the church with every ounce of our being.

She was also surrounded by a loving family that will dearly miss her presence: her siblings, Robert (Therese) Coleman, Anne Worthy, Ronnie (Janet) Coleman, and Michael Chavez; her uncle, Charles (Nora); aunts Peggy, Glenda, and Judy; and her special cousins and best friends, Joanie and Susie. As well as numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved Frenchie, Lacey.

She is preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Dorothy and David Chavez, her granddaughter Serenity Quinn Gartman, and her son-in-law Jeremy McRannolds. 

We invite all to join us in celebrating her beautiful life at Unity Baptist Church located at 116 SW 12th Ave, Lake Butler, Florida. Visitation will start at 1:00pm and the funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, June 30, 2025. She will be laid to rest at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date. Let us come together in the spirit of love and remembrance as we honor Mrs. Linda Durham, who showcased what it truly means to live for the Lord and to serve others with an open heart. Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Bro. Ralph and the rest of the Durham family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com