On Saturday, January 28th, 2023, Linda Beth Gilcrease Blest, 72, peacefully went home to be with the Lord at her memory care residence in Shenandoah, TX. Linda was born in Houston, TX, on February 1st, 1950, to parents Marvin and Roseva Gilcrease.
Linda grew up in the Conroe area with her two siblings, Ronald and her twin brother, Larry. Linda attended Conroe High School where she enjoyed being in the French and Latin Clubs. She graduated from high school in 1968, and went on to attend the University of Houston.
It was during her years at the University of Houston, that Linda made the most important decisions of her life. Linda found herself to be lonely and in desperate need of a friend. Sitting on a curb near the University campus, she began to cry and prayed “God, if you are real, please send me a friend.” A lady named Esther saw Linda outside, and invited her to come to a Bible Study in her home. Linda grew to know the Lord there and accepted Christ as her Savior. It was at this Bible Study that Linda met the love of her life, Phillip. Esther and Linda remained close friends until Linda’s passing.
After graduating with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, Linda and Phillip were married on July 10th, 1972. They were blessed with four children: Nathan, Joel, Angela, and Jeremy. When all her children were of school age, Linda began teaching Junior High and High School English at San Jacinto Christian School. She was happy to teach where her children were able to attend school. She retired once her children were grown, and devoted her time to various ministries in her church. She really enjoyed serving alongside Phillip with the Gideon’s International Ministry.
Linda and Phillip visited the Holy Land, and even renewed their vows during a trip to India. Linda absolutely adored Phillip, and was his devoted wife for nearly 48 years until his passing in 2020. Linda had a great sense of humor, an extensive vocabulary; a love for chili dogs, Dr. Pepper, Shipley donuts, and peanut M&M’s, and was surprisingly good at ping pong.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Roseva Gilcrease; husband, Phillip; grandchildren, Journey, Alex, and Skyler. She is survived by her children, Nathan, Joel, Angela (Leela), and Jeremy; daughters-in-law, Shelly, Karina, and Jill; son-in-law, David; grandchildren, Alden (wife, Karina), Kirsten, Keighla, Phillip, Stella, Matthew, Glory, Jonathan, Given, and Gates; brothers, Ronald and Larry.
Thank you to the staff at Avanti Senior Living at Vision Park for the love and care shown to Linda in her final days.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the Blest family.
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