Linda Halford Holley's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts yet loving memories we announce that Linda (85) passed away at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN on Thursday, February 12th, 2026. She was born May 20th, 1940 in Memphis, TN and is predeceased by her parents, Gladys and Robert C. Stewart, brother Robert Stewart Jr. and husband, Billy Joe Halford, all of Memphis, TN.
Linda grew up in the Memphis mid-town and Sherwood Forest areas attending Training School at Memphis State then graduating from Messick High School, Memphis in 1958. It was at Messick where she met the love of her life, Billy Joe Halford, and the two were wed in 1962 at Speedway Terrace Baptist Church. Linda and Billy Joe were married 58 years. Both were heavily involved planning high school reunions and loved reacquainting with longtime friends. They often dined, traveled, bowled, played dominos and swapped parenting stories with lifelong friends, Charles and Jean Coleman. If you grew up in the Memphis Highland and Park area during the 50’s and early 60’s, you probably were with them at some point at the former Beretta’s Drive-In restaurant.
Sometime after Billy Joe’s death in 2021, Linda ran into Richard Holley who had lost his wife, Carol. They had all been acquaintances in the past since growing up in the Messick area. Linda and Richard struck a connection and were married in May, 2022. For many years, Linda was very active at the Park Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church which became First CP church in Olive Branch. After marrying Richard, she joined Germantown Baptist Church.
Throughout her adult life, Linda worked tirelessly in executive administration at Bankers Life and Casualty and then at Parasol Awnings where she retired at age 79. Linda loved to bowl, travel to the beach, dance the bop, play games, but mostly spend time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchild. Linda loved to laugh and found much humor with family and friends. In recent years you could find her relaxing on the back patio, her dog Chester in her lap, and a look on her face speaking volumes of a life well lived and enjoyed. She met the trials and joys of life with her consistent approach of faith, family, and friends.
She is survived by husband, Richard Holley. Linda deeply loved and was very proud of her son and daughter, Ronnie (Angie) Halford and Sharon (Matt) Mrok. She adored her grandchildren, Zach Halford, Ashley Halford, Lauren (Caleb) King, Nathan Mrok, Noah (Claire) Mrok plus the most recent addition of her great granddaughter, Emery King. She leaves behind one sister, Peggy Casinelli of Tallahassee, FL and brother, Richard (Louise) Stewart of Germantown, TN.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 21 at Germantown Baptist Church (Parlor Room). Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with service following at 2:15 p.m. All are invited.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930
"Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924."
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?