Linda L. McAllister
Linda L. McAllister, age 78 of Patterson, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at her home in Patterson. She was born June 29, 1944 in Lowndes, MO, the daughter of Aubrey Mullins and Naomi (Copeland) Mullins. Linda was married to Richard McAllister August 31, 1963 at the Patterson Methodist Church. She was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Linda was an accomplished pianist from an early age who taught many piano students through the years. She consistently and selflessly used her musical abilities to support Christian ministry by singing in choirs and playing piano for funerals, weddings, and all types of church services wherever her family attended, and for the singing ministry of her husband, with whom she shared a 59-year marriage.
She was a loving, committed mother and homemaker, who – although Valedictorian of her Senior Class in high school – concentrated her energies on homemaking and supporting her family. She was not a complainer, but rather would most often be heard singing hymns in the kitchen while preparing delicious meals or cleaning the house. Her hobbies included reading biographies, sewing and flower gardening.
Linda was a compassionate community member, who made it her own responsibility to visit the sick and shut-in from her church, taking meals and encouragement with her. She loved the Bible and deepened her knowledge of it through concentrated study, hosting weekly women’s Bible studies in her home and often listening to Christian radio and TV programs. Ever delighted with the children in her circle of influence, she often taught Sunday School classes, hosted Vacation Bible School in the summers, and always had a little gift to share, letting them know they were special to her. Though shy by nature, she always made an effort to reach out to others who needed a friend.
She was a fervent believer in the power of prayer to change things for the better, and consistently solicited others to lift up the needs and concerns of her extended family in prayer, even though she spent 30 years living in Alabama, far from all of them.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Aubrey and Naomi Mullins and 4 brothers, Eugene, Forrest, David and Roger Mullins.
Survivors include her husband, Richard McAllister, of the home, 2 children, Kimberly McAllister and her fiance Harold Wones, of St. Louis, MO, J. Todd McAllister and his wife Sandy, of Jefferson, GA, 2 sisters, Janet Jackson and her husband Michael, of Patterson and Janice Middleton and her husband Brad, of Piedmont.
Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, many nieces and nephews and other family and friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont with Pastor Brian Abbott officiating. Special music was provided by Sherry Woods and Kimberly McAllister. Kimberly also gave the eulogy for her mom. Michael Werner, Tyler McAllister, Austin McAllister, Charles McAllister. Robert McAllister and Stephen Cates served as Pallbearers. Interment was in the Patterson Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Chapel, Memorials have been requested to the Mobile Food Pantry in care of Trinity United Methodist Church.
