Linda Bennett Stephens

Funeral services for Linda Bennett Stephens, 78, of White Oak will be held Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Bennie Boles officiating. Interment will follow in Gann Cemetery.

Mrs. Stephens was born August 20, 1944 in Houston, Texas and went to be with her Lord May 13, 2023 in White Oak, Texas, surrounded by her family.

Linda devoted her life to her family. She raised her children in church and introduced them to Jesus at an early age. After church, her favorite place to be was either on a volleyball court or softball field playing competitively through her late forties, or sitting on the sidelines cheering on her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren as they played sports. She even took up hunting in order to spend quality time with her family. Linda was an exquisite seamstress as well. She sewed many of the clothes her children wore. And they were always worn with pride! But the love of her life was her husband, Ray. Until his passing in 2010 they were inseparable! Once, Ray had to go to Canada for business. They tried so hard to be strong apart from each other. But in less than 72 hours she was on a flight to Canada herself! And he was waiting at the airport with open arms!! These past 13 years without him have been lonely and trying for her, but we know he was standing right there with open arms once again, waiting to welcome her as she made her entrance into Heaven!

Linda is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Bennie Boles, Kim and Michael Willbanks, and Stefani and Chad Kersey; grandchildren, Lacey and Tony Mitchamore, Justin and Courtney Matchett, Jacob and Nicole Matchett, Krystal and Dale Rabb, Kristopher and Laura Willbanks, Erica Kersey, Tabitha and Mitchell Moorehead, Luke Kersey, and Ty Kersey; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Billie Scogin; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Jerry Whisenant; brother-in-law, Willard Anderson; sister-in-law, Jackie Day; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe and Kathy Stephens; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce and Steve Shipman; Godchildren, Cindy Kline, Rodney Tucker, and Mitzie Brockman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Ray Stephens; granddaughter, Casey Boles; parents, J.R. and Mabel Bennett; in-laws, Clifford and Dessie Stephens; brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Pat Bennett; sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty and Joe Paul Barrett, Doris and Charlie Loeffler; sister, Annette Anderson; brother-in-law, Marvin Day; and special friend, Pat Tucker.

Pallbearers will be Justin Matchett, Lt. Jacob Matchett, Luke Kersey, Ty Kersey, Mitchell Moorehead, and Izakk Willbanks

Honorary pallbearers will be MSgt. Tony Mitchamore, Kristopher Willbanks, Dale Rabb, Bradley Loeffler, Michael Scogin, Jamie Scogin, Cheyne Day, and Brandon Stephens

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.