Linda Karen

Brooks

Linda Karen Brooks, nee Gregory, 75, died February 27, 2022, at the Baptist Home in Ironton, Missouri, where she had been living since January 2021. Previously, she had resided in Lesterville, Missouri, for 57 years.

Linda was born on March 21, 1946, in her grandmother's house in Lesterville. Her parents were Ralph Earl Gregory and Ruby Gregory, nee Powers, who died in 2000 and 2008, respectively. Linda is survived by her sister, Brenda Parks, and husband, Robert, of Lesterville; her brother, Michael Gregory, and wife, Katana, of Ironton; and her nephew, Ryan Gregory, and wife, Sheena, of Clarksville, Missouri. Linda also leaves behind several aunts, uncles and cousins from the Gregory, Morrison and Powers families, and a host of friends.

Linda graduated from Lesterville High School in May 1964, as Valedictorian. Her first employment was at Brown Shoe Company in Ironton, then as secretary of the First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau. After leaving Cape, she was employed as an accountant at the Ruberoid plant in Annapolis. The plant later became ISP, from which she retired as Acting Controller in 2011 after 45 years of employment.

Linda accepted Christ as her Savior in October 1963 and joined Lesterville First Baptist Church. She was dedicated to serving the Lord for the next several decades and held many positions, including Church Treasurer, Youth Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, and choir member. Linda had a beautiful voice and blessed the church often with special music.

Her love of singing led to many opportunities to meet people. When her father was stationed in Germany in 1960 and the family joined him, Linda put her talent to good use at her school and formed a trio called The USA's. The group performed at many school functions in Frankfurt as well as at German orphanages. Linda also sang in a Gospel quartet with Pete & Norma Wright for several years.

In addition to music, Linda enjoyed cooking, reading, old movies and travel. At the time of her death, she had visited 16 countries and 43 states. Linda loved her family and cherished time spent with them, especially Ryan, and she loved children. This kind, compassionate and incredibly generous lady will be deeply missed by those privileged to have known her.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 5 ^th , 2022, from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM, at Lesterville First Baptist Church. Funeral to follow at 1:00 PM. Rev. Mark Winn, Rev. Bill Jackson and Rev. Tom Volner to officiate, and Ryan Gregory, Wayne Reagan, Ed Harris, Joe Crocker, Miles Winn and Michael Winn to serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Robert Parks. Arrangements are under the direction of McSpadden's.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lesterville First Baptist Church or Gideons International.