Linda Jefferson

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Linda Jo (Pearcy) Jefferson, 74, of Anderson, Missouri passed away Friday, October 27, 2023, after a sudden and unexpected illness.

She was born May 18, 1949, to the late Rayburn R and Jo Anne (Marritt) Pearcy. She grew up in Hanford, California moving to Anderson her senior year of high school.

Linda graduated from McDonald County high school and Seminole beauty college before getting her teaching degree at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin. She then taught fifth grade at Northside Elementary in Rogers Arkansas until she retired in 2015. 

She loved cheering for the Chiefs, Cardinals and Razorbacks, and especially any sport her grandkids played. She started the longstanding family tradition of cooking “Mooch Night” dinner every Wednesday night for the entire family and any visitors and friends that wanted to join in.

Linda, married Windel Gene Russell, March 15, 1968, and together they had three daughters. Many years later Linda married Michael L (Pop)Jefferson of Noel, Missouri and they were happily married until his passing, May 3, 2014.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Michael Jefferson; and her granddaughter, Madison Lynn Gilgen.

 

She is survived by her siblings Judy Rickett of Anderson, David (Lynn) Pearcy of Anderson, and Bill (Mindy) Pearcy of Grove, Ok, her children Dee Ann Gilgen of Anderson, Wendy Cooper (Gary) of Pineville, Jodi Bethel (Randy) of Anderson, Trish (Raul) Diaz of Madera, California, John (Michelle) Jefferson of West Fork, Arkansas, her favorite grandchildren, Whitneigh Guenther (Levi) of Glendo, Wyoming, Devin Mathews (Brittany) of Goodman, Mackenzie McAdams (Kevin) of Pineville, Katie Gilgen (Jaxson Dawdy) of Anderson, JaCinda Jefferson of Madera, California, Ashley Jefferson of West Fork, Arkansas, Jordan Tallman of Pineville, Jarron Jefferson of Madera, California and Clayton Hosier of Anderson.

Her favorite great-grandchildren include Jenna and Hunter Guenther, Tucker and Khalia McAdams, Rhett and Wade Mathews and Garrison Dawdy, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Linda Friday, November 3 at Tall Pines Distillery from 6-8 in Pineville. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Travis Kelce’s foundation, 87Running.org or Patrick Mahomes’ foundation, Mahomies.org.