Linda Evelyn Hatcher Wigley

Linda Evelyn Hatcher Wigley was born January 26, 1937 in Dublin, Georgia, the daughter of Lindsey Erasmus Hatcher of Waynesboro, GA and Evelyn Weatherly Hatcher of Macon, GA. She died peacefully Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Carlyle Place at the age of 87.

She was married to the late James “Jimmy” Donald Wigley of Macon and was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Gibson Lois Wigley. She is survived by her son, James Donald Wigley, Jr. of Macon, daughter, Stacie Wigley Hill and her husband, Monroe "Monty" Tharpe Hill, Jr., of Macon, beloved grandchildren, Lindsay Marie Hill of St. Simons Island, Shannon Kay Hill Lamar and her husband, Jackson, of Mountain Brook, Alabama and Elizabeth “Betsy” Tharpe Hill of Mobile, Alabama. She is also survived by her sister, Betsy Hatcher Hibble of Macon (and her late husband, Ralph Norman Hibble, Sr. and their late son, Ralph Norman Hibble, Jr.) Linda is also survived by her loving nieces and their husbands; Kay Hibble Hollis and her husband, Sam, of Macon, Lenn Hibble Hopkins and her husband, Henry, of Waynesboro, and Amelia Hibble Holleman and her husband, Howard, of Macon.

Linda’s family settled in Macon because her grandfather graduated from Mercer Law School and he decided to make Macon his home. He later developed a working farm and racetrack in Cochran, GA where her father worked. She spent most of her childhood on the farm and that is where she learned how to ride horses and enjoy the many animals on the farm.

When Linda was starting high school, her parents moved to Bradenton, Florida. She went kicking and screaming, but with time, she fell in love with her new life. In Bradenton, she enjoyed cheerleading, riding horses and being a member of the Mam'selles Teen Service Club.

After graduating from Manatee County High School, Linda began her college career at Mercer University where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and a cheerleader for the Mercer Bears. Her father passed away while she was in college and she transferred to The University of Florida to be closer to her mother.

At Florida, she was the President of Alpha Delta Pi which is one of her proudest accomplishments. Some of her best stories are her many college adventures of going to football games, living in the ADPi sorority house, and dating many of the “good looking” fraternity boys.

After graduation, Linda moved back to Macon to begin her career as a teacher at Pearl Lawrence Elementary. Although she had met her future husband during her time at Mercer University, they did not start dating until she returned to Macon. She has shared many lively stories about her time at Mercer and when she and her future husband worked at the Baconsville swimming pool. They both taught swimming lessons and he was also a lifeguard.

Linda and Jimmy raised their family in Macon. They instilled laughter, love, and a sense of humor that would always serve the family well. Some of the fondest memories were made during family camping trips, boating, fishing, and Ocmulgee River adventures. They were adventurous in the pursuit of fun and the family grew up with motorcycles, go-karts, boats, sports cars, horses, and many animals; especially chocolate labrador retrievers. They even allowed a horse in the backyard in Devonwood.

She was often the life of the party, always dependable and full of good advice. Her love of young adults was evident to all who knew her, from her many advisor positions within organizations and willingness to listen and help with young adults needing guidance and often a little discipline. She was welcoming to all friends who showed up at her door, whether it was setting an extra place at the table, allowing her children’s friends to live at her home, or just to talk… she was a great listener and advisor when needed. She could always be found in the stands for all her children’s sporting events and school performances and continued that tradition with her grandchildren.

She served as an advisor to her daughter’s high school sorority, Sigma Omega Sigma, and later the Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at Mercer University. She and her husband chaperoned just about every high school dance and party and were fixtures at any event involving the teenagers; always making sure everyone was safe and fed. She loved throwing parties at the river house and attending weddings. She loved fancy shoes and had amassed quite the collection over the years.

Linda was very social and enjoyed being a member of Suburban Garden Club and the DAR Mary Hammond Washington Chapter. She enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, reading books, and traveling with her family. She loved to dance, especially in the Macon Civic Club shows. Linda had many friends and was known for her warm personality, sense of humor, loving nature, friendly demeanor, generous heart and a welcoming home.

Following the unfortunate sudden death of her husband in 1986, Linda stepped into his business and managed Forest Products of Georgia for over 30 years. She also took a keen interest in the stock market and became quite the self-taught, savvy investor. She loved watching the news and discussing politics.

Later in life, she developed Macular Degeneration which negatively affected her ability to play bridge, read, drive, dial the phone, and eventually see to watch television. Linda had a stroke in July of 2023 and moved to Carlyle Place in November of 2023 where she was cared for by a very loving and devoted staff. In the end, Pine Pointe Hospice was with her and she died peacefully.

She appreciated her blessings, enjoyed her friends and cherished her time with family; especially with her granddaughters. Her ability to be patient, compassionate and non-judgmental were evident of her character. She was a fighter; she was feisty, spicey, funny and quick witted. She will be missed and remembered by many. A lost generation of people who relied on the newspaper, land lines and a respect for education, differing opinions and genuine love and appreciation for life and freedom.

Linda’s beautiful life will be celebrated with a service on Sunday, December 22nd, at 11:00 AM at Snow’s Memorial Chapel located at 1419 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31210 with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM. Rev. Joe McDaniel will officiate.

To honor Linda’s life-long love of Macon, her desire for civic duty, the love for the Ocmulgee River, and her endless pursuit of education; memorial donations in the name of Linda Hatcher Wigley can be made to Macon Civic Club Charitable Association (https://maconcivicclub.com/), Ocmulgee Land Trust (https://www.ocmulgeelandtrust.com/), Stratford Academy (https://www.stratford.org/) or Mercer University (https://www.mercer.edu/give/ways-to-give/).

Snow's Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.