Linda Carol Wintzell Schafer, a native of Bayou La Batre, AL, and a longtime resident of Mobile, died on Monday August 21, 2023, in Ocean Springs, MS, after a long illness. Linda was born to Zoe Wilhelmina and James Oliver Wintzell, Sr. on August 13, 1938. She graduated high school from the Convent of Mercy, where she was an active member of Phi Gamma Chi sorority, hosting the club meetings at her parents’ house. She later graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in fashion merchandising. At LSU, Linda was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Upon graduating, she was a buyer for the children’s department of DH Holmes. While in New Orleans Linda also taught distributive education at East Jefferson High School, where she met the love of her life, Neal Schafer. Linda loved her LSU Tigers and served as the President of the Mobile Alumni Chapter for several years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Oliver Wintzell, Sr.; her sister, Olivette Wilhelmina Wintzell; a brother James Oliver (Sonny) Wintzell, Jr., and sister-in-law LaSonia Nolan Wintzell.
Linda is survived by her loving husband of fifty-six years, Neal Schafer; three daughters, Erika Schafer Carter (Bill), Tina Schafer Rutland (Christopher), and Ashley Schafer Karcher (Christopher). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren to cherish her memory, Adele Carter, Sarah Carter, Abby Carter, Zoe Rutland, Will Karcher, Olivia Karcher, James Karcher and Jack Karcher. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and many family and friends. Linda’s family would like to thank the staff of Cottage B at the Lighthouse Memory Care Facility in Ocean Springs.
Visitation will be held at 9 am on Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Murphy Center at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 4156 Burma Rd., Mobile, AL. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 am with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Schafer family.