Linda Moody

Linda Sue Thurman Moody was born on November 25, 1940, in Delta County, Texas and passed away on June 11, 2022, at East Texas Hospice Center in Tyler, Texas.  Linda attended school in Pecan Gap and graduated from Cooper High School, Cooper, Texas in 1959.  She moved to Dallas and began a long work career.  After moving to Emory, Texas, Linda worked in the County Tax Appraisal Office, many years for Ivan Alexander at Rains County Abstract, and in family-owned businesses.  Linda was a member of Emory Methodist Church and taught children’s Sunday School classes.  She also served for two years on the Rains County Child Welfare Board.

In 1982, Linda moved to Tyler, Texas where she volunteered at Marvin Methodist Church leading divorce workshops and made lifelong friends.  She also worked as a counselor for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs and was chosen as Volunteer of the Year for Smith County.  She was a regular donor at the Smith County Blood and Plasma Bank and was recognized by that agency.  She was a strong supporter of the Salvation Army and in lieu of family Christmas gifts, often gave donations in honor of family members to help others.

Linda began work in the oil and gas industry as a Petroleum Landmen leasing oil and gas wells all over Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.  She quickly became respected as a woman in a man’s world and was able to remain employed during slumps in the economy due to her work ethics and integrity.  She was a member of the American Association of Professional Landmen and served as the first female president of East Texas Association of Petroleum Landmen. 

With a successful work career, Linda considered her most important and most rewarding job was being a mother.  She was totally devoted to her son, Ken.  She requested the words “Grateful Mother” be etched on her memorial maker.  Linda supported Ken in whatever activities he did from riding his minibike in the pasture, camping, fishing and hunting, baseball, school, 4H to his adult life in cow production and his trucking company.  She said it was always a wonderful day any day she got to see or talk to Ken.

Linda is survived by son, Ken Moody and Betsey Molnar of Emory, sisters in law Karen Thurman and Judy Moody, nephews and families, Jarrod, Wendy, Kyle and Katie Thurman of Emory and Michael and Vinnie Ho Thurman of Lewisville and Kenneth Moody, Ken’s dad.  She was Preceded in death by parents Finis Oleta James Thurman and Robert Orval Thurman of Pecan Gap, Texas, brother Mickey Thurman, and brother-in-law James Moody.

A graveside service will be held at Willow Springs Cemetery on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers Linda requested donations be made to Emory United Methodist Church, 456 N Texas St, Emory, TX 75440.