Linda Reed

Linda Henderson Reed, age 73, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, formerly of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, returned to her heavenly home on Thursday, February 15, 2018. After her valiant fight with renal cell cancer in October 2017 had spread to her lungs, it progressed in December, to her brain. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the overwhelming love and prayers of family, friends, her church and many supporters carried her through these last 2 months of hospitalization, radiation, physical therapy and finally home to be with her Creator.

Linda was born October 8, 1944, to the late Paul Joseph and Clelie Mae Robideaux Henderson. She was also preceded in death by her stepmother, MayBelle Henderson and by her godly Henderson and Robideaux grandparents. She is survived by her husband of over 39 blissful years, David Reed, Jr.; daughter, April Reed Smith and her husband Allen; son, David Reed, III; former daughter-in-law, Christy Fontenot Reed; brothers Pastor Conley Henderson and his wife, Carolyn, and Don Henderson and his wife, Sherrill; grandchildren, Hunter, Katie and Tyler Smith and Austin Reed; and numerous nieces and nephews and many loving friends.

Linda was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where memorials may be made to the Benevolence Fund to care for local needs of the community. She had a servant’s heart, which she showed in many ways. Throughout her life, she taught by example how to enjoy life, care for others, love your family and live for God. She was kind, sensitive to the needs of others and selfless in serving God and His church. April says, "My mom was the most positive and important influence in my life and in the lives of many."

She was an educated music instructor and began teaching music at an early age. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music at Bethany Nazarene College (SNU) in 1966 then went on to pursue her Master’s degree at Florida State University. In 1978, she became a Music Therapist Supervisor of Activity Therapy at Greenwell Springs Hospital. Through the years, she served GSH as Coordinator of Accreditation for both GSH and East Louisiana State Hospital (ELSH). She was on every committee there was and held many positions that were vital in keeping the hospital opened for years after the State of Louisiana wanted to close it. Her expertise was invaluable to GSH operation and administration for many years. She retired as CEO of GSH in 2006.

Linda and David moved to Middle Tennessee in 2006 to be closer to family, and they quickly became beloved members of their community in Chapel Hill, TN. Linda will be fondly remembered, and her legacy of selflessness and love will be carried on in the lives she formed and touched by her love.

You are cordially invited to visitation beginning at Nine O’clock Saturday morning, February 24, 2018, until Eleven O’clock at Roselawn Funeral Home. A memorial service to celebrate Linda’s life will begin at Eleven O’clock with placement to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.