Linda Westbrook

Linda Carol (Gilley) Westbrook, age 83, of Crandall, Texas, formerly of Dallas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Baylor Scott and White in Sunnyvale. Linda was born on May 31, 1941, in Dallas, Texas, oldest of 5 children of the late Richard and Dorothy (Phillipy) Gilley.

Linda lived a vibrant and full life characterized by her unwavering love and dedication to her family and friends. She is celebrated for her honesty, reliability, straightforwardness, and unconditional love. Linda was a beacon of love, affectionately called Granny B by her grandchildren and their friends.

Linda graduated from Wilmer-Hutchins High School in 1959 and started her family. She later began her career journey, in accounting, at Lone Star Donuts in Dallas followed by Robertson Fleet Service, where she dedicated over two decades of her career. Linda retired in 2015 from United One Source after 21 years of service. Beyond her professional achievements, she was a devoted single parent who raised her children with a strong work ethic and loving heart. Her commitment to her family was paramount, and she instilled values of integrity, self-reliance, and compassion in her children.

Linda's personal life was marked by her long journey of finding the right partner. Her marriage to John Westbrook in 1992, who brought five grown children into her life, fulfilled her heart for 28 years, before he passed in 2020. She embraced her new family with unconditional love and treated them as her own, providing guidance and support, and teaching them that family transcends blood relations; it is about the bonds we create and nurture. Her unconditional love and commitment to family were hallmarks of her character.

Her hobbies and interests painted the picture of a vibrant, community and family-oriented individual. Linda enjoyed having family gatherings, passing time at the art and crafts club, that she and her friend Betty enjoyed calling the ‘spit and whittle’, where she enjoyed crafting and playing games with friends. In her younger days she had fun bowling in leagues, traveling, and in her spare time, crocheting. She was an avid cook known for her Broccoli rice casserole, Texas trash, and her grandkids favorite, her Macaroni and cheese, all hits at family gatherings. An enthusiast of games, she relished playing any type of game with her family, such as dominoes, cards, and board games, especially Chickenfoot and Spades. There was always some sort of cahooting, laughter and drama involved, for example, there were house rules created during a game of Chickenfoot.

Her love for auto racing spanned from dirt track to NASCAR and Formula One, but her true sporting passion was football, supporting the Crandall Pirates, Scurry-Rosser Wildcats, the Pitbulls, the Texas Longhorns, and the Dallas Cowboys with fervor. Linda had a deep fondness for giraffes, lighthouses, and windmills. Her home was a reflection of her passion with her collections, especially during her favorite time of year, Christmas, when her Santa Claus decorations added a special festive touch. Most of all, she supported her grandchildren and was their biggest fan. From baseball games to football fields, soccer matches to bowling alleys, and School of Rock performances, she was a constant supporter. Granny B was their most devoted and enthusiastic fan.

Though not a regular church attendee, Linda's faith was profound, often watching services on TV and Facebook, attending Bible studies, and listening to church music. Her spiritual life was personal and deeply rooted, guiding her through many of life’s challenges.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Carrie Lynn Findling (Bill), Gayla Michelle West (Chuck), and Tawnya Green (Michael); sons, Michael Westbrook (Anissa), Daniel Westbrook, Tony Westbrook (Rolaine), and Johnny Westbrook (Adrienne); 16 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren; brother Mark Duayne Gilley (Shaunna); sister, Peggy Joyce Hobbs; and sister-in-law, Mary Gilley; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Leonard Westbrook; grandson, Drew Alexander West; brothers, Richard Maxwell Gilley and Jackie Wayne Gilley; parents, Richard and Dorothy Gilley; brother-in-law, Ray Hobbs; and her best friends, Deb Law, Jeanie Donahue, and Jean Pitts.

Linda dearly loved her family and friends and was dearly loved in return. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, she left us with many beautiful memories. Her life was a testament to the values of love, responsibility, and commitment to the well-being of others. She will be remembered for her unwavering support and the profound impact she had on her family and everyone she met.

A service to honor Linda's life will be held at 1:00PM on December 14, 2024, at Roselawn Funeral Home, 1000 South Hwy 175, Seagoville, Texas 75159. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital in her memory. Linda's legacy of love, honesty, and family dedication will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.