Linda Iola McLemore

Linda Iola McLemore, born July 26,1941 was welcomed into Heaven October 9, 2025 surrounded by family.  She was 84 years old and although her mind began to forget things years ago, she was still her fun loving self up to her last days.  Linda was a loving mother to her two sons, was always encouraging, supportive and could handle a good joke. She was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She was a graduate of Sam Houston High School and as her sister would say, she was, ‘the typical middle child’ (we never did get her to explain exactly what that meant)…

Linda served as a navy wife for many years living in a lot of places - she often told stories of her time in Spain, Connecticut, and Charleston and how she had her hands full with two boys, two years apart.  Her early life was full of adventure.  She finally called Mississippi home and began her 25 year career as the deli manager at the Piggly Wiggly in Escatawpa where one thing was certain, the food was always hot and always good. She was a favorite with regulars who were sad to see her retire. Linda enjoyed taking care of others. She was an avid couponer and there wasn’t a rebate offer that she let slip past her. Whether it was free cereal bowls, or Marlboro branded luggage - she was organized and knew what she was doing - if a company said to send in 20 UPC codes for a free gift, she was on it.

If you visited Linda, you would always find a crossword puzzle on the table even after technology introduced her to the world of computer games.  One may say she was the original “gamer.” She was old school - a perfectly wrapped Christmas gift, a handwritten note - she had beautiful cursive handwriting and even if it was just a little something, she was a giver.  She was a loyal person, easy to be around and was always down for a fun time.

She was our Mawmaw and she was a great one- every year she made “Mawmaw stockings” where she filled red produce bags with trinkets from her rebates and other hidden treasures. Whether it was a fly swatter, a pack of batteries, or a sponge - you never knew quite what you were going to get but you loved it every year.  She made Christmas extra special.

She was also fortunate enough to be a “great” Mawmaw for the past 17 years.  Her last bout of fun here on earth was at Sparrow Hills nursing home in Lucedale where she was known as “the boss.” She ran the local in house card games, kept score, and while her memory faded she still somehow won every hand.  She had many friends she enjoyed at Sparrow Hills.  She was a special lady.

Linda loved Jesus and was a faithful member of Pine View Baptist Church in Lucedale where she enjoyed cooking for the Bible school.  While we grieve here on earth, we know she is in the arms of Jesus and we find peace knowing she is fully healed. 

Linda was beautiful and we could not have asked for a better Mawmaw, she was the perfect matriarch for our family and she will most certainly be missed.

Linda is survived by her two sons, Eddie (Lisa) Addison of Lincolnton, GA and Donald (Tammy) Addison of Lucedale - her grandchildren, Vanessa (Ryan) Wedrychowicz of Kernersville, NC, Alicia (Juan) Izquierdo of Castellon, Spain, Desiree (Ian) Snell of Lucedale, Cole Addison of Lucedale, and Evan Addison of Lincolnton, GA. Eight great-grandchildren: Maddison, Olivia, Brody, Lucas, Jaxson, Jace, Harold, and Salem. Her loving sister, Carol (Bob) Thormer of Houston, TX and many cousins and friends including her special cousin, Janet.  Linda is reunited in Heaven with her parents, Jack and Vera Parker, her older brother Nelson Parker, and her late husband Charles McLemore. 

The Visitation will be Monday, October 13, 2025 at Pineview Missionary Baptist Church from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. The Funeral Service will follow beginning at 2:00 PM in the church sanctuary. Burial is to follow in Pineview cemetery.

The family wishes to recognize Valorie and Todd, owners of Sparrow Hills and a special aide JJ along with many other sweet helpers there - thank you for taking care of her. Bailey and Debbie from Southern Care Hospice, our family thanks you.  It takes special people to fulfill these types of roles and we appreciate each of you.

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.