Linda Lee

(From Freeman Mortuary)

Linda Lou Lee, age 79 of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Villa Marie.

She was born March 25, 1947, in Stella, Mo., the daughter of James and Geneva (Winfield) Chapman.

Linda's story began on a 100-acre dairy farm in Sarcoxie, MO. Growing up, she learned to milk cows, care for the farm, and contribute wherever she was needed.

She attended Diamond Schools in Southwest MO, and after graduating, worked her way through college while employed at the Bank of Carthage. Her determination and perseverance paid off when she graduated from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1969.

Following college, Linda moved to Jefferson City and began her career in public service with the State Auditor's Office for Kit Bond's audit team and later joined the campaign team during his run (and win) for governor. Her professional journey eventually led her to St. Louis in the 1970s, where she built a successful banking career with Metro Bank as Director of Internal Audit and Vice President of Operations at Boatman's BancShares. In 1984, returned to Jefferson City and held leadership roles as Comptroller for Capital City Ford, and Apache Management.

Never one to shy away from a new challenge, Linda embarked on a second career later in life, becoming a respected real estate broker salesperson with Coldwell Banker Gordon Company Realtors where she honed her skills. Later she was a producer at Re/Max Jefferson City for 2 decades. She so loved her Re/Max family. She retired in 2022.

Linda prided herself in working with home buyers to find them the perfect house for them and their families. She listened and moved with integrity when it came to such an investment. Many of her clients and customers became friends, and some she considered family.

While Linda was proud of her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy was always her family. She treasured family gatherings and celebrations, especially reunions with her beloved Winfiel(d) cousins in Fair Play, Bolivar, and Springfield.

Though she worked hard, she always made time for shooting hoops with her son, Ryan, going to the show, or spending time with he and his buddies. There was more than one time she was found ironing shirts before dances and special occasions. They also enjoyed her home-cooked meals and considered her to be a second Mom. She enjoyed spending time with him and his wife Sarah in her last days, playing UNO, checkers, and making bracelets.

Some of her favorite times were during simple Saturday mornings spent running errands and sharing lunch with her daughter. Linda never met a road trip she didn't enjoy, particularly those spontaneous adventures that often came with her daughter Melissa behind the wheel. As Linda would often say, "When Melissa has you captured, you never know where you'll end up." She especially loved traveling to Colorado, where she found peace and beauty in the mountains.

She was fiercely competitive during a game of UNO, though family members knew to keep a close eye on her because she could be delightfully sneaky when she wanted to win, especially later in life. A devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, she could often be found cheering them on throughout the season. When a game was on, you didn't interrupt. She was in the center of her sofa coaching her "boys". Her love affair with them started listening to the games on the radio in the barn while milking cows with her Dad.

She carried herself with grace and confidence, but nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than her grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure. They were among her greatest blessings, and she cherished every moment she was afforded with them.

Survivors include her children, Melissa Lee of Holts Summit, and Ryan Lee (Sarah) of Panama City Beach, Florida; two grandchildren, Jakoby and Jayden Lee; nieces and nephew, Judy Brashers of Springfield, Mo, Kim Haizlip of Tx, and Gary Brashers (Paula) of Fredericktown, Mo.; and numerous other relatives and a host of friends who were family to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Shirley Brashers Harris, Jim Chapman, and Dora Jane Bass. Also her nephews Gail Bass and James Dale Brashers, and a beloved young niece, Debbie.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Villa Marie staff and "her girls" who took excellent care of her. They often sang and danced and she'd roll her eyes, loving every minute of it. She kept them on their toes. Thanks also to Gentiva Hospice who cared for her during the very last leg on her journey.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at First Baptist Church Jefferson City, MO.

A celebration of life service will begin at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at First Baptist Church with the Reverend Melissa Hatfield officiating.

Linda will be laid to rest in Powers Cemetery, Sarcoxie, Mo., at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to River City Habitat for Humanity, 1420 Creek Trail Drive, Jefferson City, Mo., 6109.