Mrs. Linda L. (Bridgewater) Milligan

Linda Louise Bridgewater Milligan was born January 28, 1947 in Cleburne, Texas to Lucy Bridgewater feet first during a blizzard. When Linda was 4 years old, Lucy married Willie D. Reed on September 14, 1953. Never adopted on paper, Linda became “Baby Lin” and was well loved by Willie. It would be hard to find a better father or stepfather than Willie. Lucy (2014) and Willie (2005) both left Linda a legacy of love and happiness.

At age 6, Linda’s family moved to Fort Worth, Texas where she enrolled in 1st grade at James E Guinn Elementary School. She graduated from the historic I.M. Terrell Senior High School with the FANTASTIC class of 1965! She was baptized at the age of 8 by Reverend A. C. Pryor at New Bethel Baptist Church. She furthered her education at North Texas State University (now University of Texas at Denton) where she received her Bachelor and Master degrees in Sociology. Linda became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (the first black Greek organization on the North Texas campus) in 1968. She remained an active member of Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc., Houston Alumnae Chapter, where she was honored as a Golden Girl (member who has served for 50+ years). She was also active in Delta Daytimers and served on many Delta committees over the years.

Linda moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1971. She worked with Senior Community Services, Inc. for nine years and was an officer in Trust Banking for two years. In 1983, Linda married DeLester Milligan and moved to Houston, Texas where she lived until the Lord called her home. To this union was born one son, DeWayne. Both DeLester and DeWayne preceded Linda in death (1996 and 2000, respectively).

Over the years, Linda has worked with Social Services and Geriatric Psychiatry programs, as well as early childhood and elementary school education. She loved traveling, sending greeting cards (as a ministry), helping and encouraging others, and playing Bidwiz.

Linda’s spiritual education and development continued through her membership at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and later at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Psalms 23, 27 and 91 were the pillars of her life. Her lifelong goal was to daily become more Christ-like and to love all people.

Left to mourn and cherish her memory are two sisters, Billie Liggins Reed and Pamela Reed; one brother, Willie D. Reed, Jr (Andrea), one nephew, Geral Matthews, all of Fort Worth, TX; one Goddaughter, Maddison Joyce and one Godson, Christian Brown; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.