Linda Sue Wilcox (nee Parker), 85, of Harlingen, Texas, passed away on March 7, 2024.  She was born on December 5, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois.  After graduating from high school in Chicago as her class salutatorian, she attended Eastern Illinois University where she graduated with a degree in elementary education.  While at Eastern, she met her beloved husband of 58 years, Frederick Wilcox.  Linda was a third and fourth grade teacher for over 30 years at Gavin School District, Lake Villa, Illinois.

Linda led a rich and meaningful life, centered in her family, friends and faith.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who always prioritized the well-being and happiness of her family.  There could be no more avid supporter and champion of her children and grandchildren in their lives.  Her fondest memories involved spending time with family and friends, hosting Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings, spending summers on Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota, and traveling the world with her husband, Fred.  Linda was also an avid reader, conversationalist, ballroom dancer and birdwatcher.  As a beloved schoolteacher who positively impacted the lives of countless students, many of her former students kept in touch with her over the years.  Linda was a Christian and longtime United Methodist who took comfort in the assurance she had an eternal home.  Fred and Linda retired to south Texas in 1995.

Linda is survived by her son Jeffrey P. Wilcox (Maureen), daughter Susan E. Partridge (Craig), her loving grandchildren Curtis Sigourney (Rachelle), Nicholas Wilcox, Laura Burger (Jake), Sarah Wilcox (Kostas), Jacqueline Partridge, great granddaughter Riley Burger, and her devoted poodle, Bonnie Blue.  Linda is also survived by her sister, Cecily Langellier (Larry) of Winfield, Illinois.  She is preceded in death by her husband Fred, parents Clarence and Susan Parker (Stroud) and brother William Parker.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's name may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center:  P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486  (Donations and Fundraising | MD Anderson Cancer Center) or Rio Grande Valley Humane Society:  2729 N Expressway 77, Harlingen, TX 78550 (Donate | Rio Grande Valley Humane Society | United States (rgvhs.org)).

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life lunch on Tuesday, July 9, eleven am, at Maravela's Banquet & Catering, 4 Washington St, Ingleside, Illinois.  A graveside burial service will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Moweaqua, IL, on Thursday, July 11, at ten am.