Linda Jo Williams

Linda Williams, 82, died on December 29, 2024. Born January 17, 1942 in Wichita Falls, Texas, Linda was the eldest of three daughters of Jonell (Acuff) Maier and Cleburne Maier. As a child, she lived in Iowa Park, El Paso and Galveston before her family moved to Houston, where they resided for many years. She was a very bright, verbal child who could not wait to start school. She became a very articulate, confident, determined young woman who excelled at Speech, Drama, and Chemistry while a student at Bellaire High School. Linda was a striking beauty as a girl with dark, wavy hair that fell to her waist and later as a co-ed who managed to make a shirtwaist dress and black suede loafers look stylish. She received marriage proposals while still in high school, but she was intent on continuing her education. Linda completed her B.A. degree in English and Speech at the University of Texas in Austin in just three years, graduating in 1963. That same year she married James Williams and began teaching English and Speech in the Spring Branch School District. Linda and James had two sons, and Linda devoted many years to rearing her sons and volunteering. She especially enjoyed working as a docent at Bayou Bend. She liked to make things special for her two boys, and hosted many celebrations for her family and friends. While creating warm, stylish homes for her family, she discovered her talent for design, which then developed into a career. She was proud of her sons’ accomplishments as they grew up, and also committed to her work as an interior designer. After she and her husband divorced, Linda moved to Carmel, California. She thrived in her new environment, working in art galleries, honing her design skills, volunteering her time and talent for charity events, and reveling in the natural beauty of her new home. After many years on the West Coast, Linda moved to suburban Maryland to be close to her son Brent and his family. They provided loving care for her during the last years of her life. Linda was predeceased by an infant sister, Patricia. She is survived by her son Brent, daughter-in-law Tricia, granddaughters Samantha and Katherine, her son Kent and grandson Justin, her sister Catherine, brother-in-law James, and her sister Constance. She is also survived by her many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. We wish to thank Rich Frizzell and the staff of Amada Senior Care Mid-Maryland, who provided compassionate caregivers to fill the last two years of Linda’s life with smiles, friendship, and dignity. We are also grateful to the nurses and staff of Gilchrist hospice care, who worked dutifully to bring Linda comfort and joy in the last months of her life. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at a later date in Texas. Linda, as a cancer survivor, was a long-time supporter of the American Cancer Society. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in her name.

Linda Jo Williams

January 17, 1942 - December 29, 2024