Linda Darnell McCreary

Linda Darnell McCreary was born on July 30, 1960 to Edward E. and Della Hendricks Sr in Detroit, Michigan as Linda Darnell Hendricks. She was the 2nd child to this couple. Linda was raised in a devout Christian home under the guidance of her parents in Inkster, MI.

Linda received Jesus Christ on March 22,1970 at the age of 9yrs in Second Baptist Church of Inkster. During her time attending kids bible study she was introduced to Drake McCreary. At that time it was the start of a great friendship. Little did she know then he would become the love of her life.

Linda did a great job in her academics courses. She attended her education within the Taylor MI, School District. She took college courses at Mary Grove College. Her ability to plan and organize was above bar. Even down to the color of what her family wears at her funeral.

On August 15,1981 Drake finally wore her down and she said “I do”. This was just the start of their amazing life together. Drake was so blind to Lindas advances he tried setting up his own friend with Linda. This made her very irritated with Drake's ignorance. Unnamed individuals opened his eyes to the catch she was. From this point began the chase for his “Sweet Thang”.

Linda started work at Ford Motor Company at the age of 18. When given the opportunity to be transferred to the Ford plant in St Paul, MN she and Drake decided that it would be the best place to raise their children in Minnesota. As the planner she was, Linda went to Minnesota alone to prepare for the arrival of her family. Shortly after her family's arrival Linda and her husband bought their first home in Farmington, MN. Where they raised their children and a small zoo for 35 years.

Linda worked at Mystic Lake Casino, Charter Cable, and Apple Valley Bowling alley. In May of 2000 Linda landed a position at Northwest now Delta where she finished her career. This is where her passion for traveling was taken to new heights. Linda was able to travel the world with her family. She explored many places, Hawaii, Bahamas, Jamaica, Alaska, Costa Rica, Vancouver, and other cities throughout the world. After 30+ years of dreaming she finally made it to Paris, France during a girls trip. Linda's last vacation was spent in Hawaii with her family for Christmas!

The hobbies Linda typically found herself doing was bowling on both womens and mixed league. Bowling did give her the ability to travel. She also taught kids how to bowl on Saturdays while her own kids bowled in their own league. She was a cookie mom for girl scouts, Linda was a minivan mom. To keep her peace of mind she completed jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and word finds. You could find these everywhere including the bottom drawer in the bathroom.

Mrs. McCreary is survived by her husband, Drake McCreary I; children, Somal McCreary of Seattle, Washington, James McCreary of Michigan, Drake McCreary II (Kristine) of St. Francis, Minnesota, Cameka Esters (Benjamin) of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Mariah and Chanel Purcell of St. Paul, J-Von Lambert, Nikki Thompkin, Jarea Thompkin, (Hanna), Nicholas Lambert of Detroit Michigan< 10 grandchildren; mother, Della Watson Hendricks; mother-in-law, Teddy Kovach; brothers Marvin Purcell (Beverly), Lane Purcell, and Vernon Purcell (Tina); sisters, Jacqueline Parish, Mae Lambert Thompkins, niece Deboni Baker and pets Zoey, Zeus, and Shelby,

Greeted in heaven by,her grandmothers and grandfathers. Watson and Hendricks, father Edward Hendricks Sr, brother Edward Hendricks Jr.,the zoo, along with many other family members.