Linda Dawkins

Linda Kay Ford Dawkins, the second daughter of the late John Calvin Ford Sr. and the late Gertherine Youngblood Ford, was born on February 20, 1954.

Linda Kay, known as "Grandma" and "Granny" to her grandchildren, "Momma" to her children, and simply Linda to her siblings, family, and friends, is a native of Urbana, Arkansas. Along with her siblings, during her formative years, Linda received piano instruction from Mrs. Geneva Lee and became an accomplished pianist. Extremely bright and talented academically, Linda attended 1st through 9th grade in Urbana Schools and played basketball. In 10th grade, she attended Strong High School, where she was elected Homecoming Queen. She attended El Dorado High School for two years and graduated in 1972. Linda attended Henderson State University briefly before marrying Obie Ray Dawkins on December 16, 1972. Linda later resumed her education and obtained a certificate in Administrative Business Studies at the Oil Belt Vocational School in 1978. After finishing at Oil Belt, Linda worked at Southern Folder & Index Co. for many years and then spent sixteen years working for El Dorado Public Schools before retiring in 2021.

Early in life, Linda was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, then joined the First St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Urbana, Arkansas, and remained a member there for many years. After the church closed, she joined Free Union A.M.E. church and would also attend services at St. John Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor Barry Dodson) with her beloved younger sister Marilyn. In her later years, she attended church virtually by watching live streams of the Keys To Life Bible Fellowship (Pastor Patrick E. Robinson, Sr.) in Houston, Texas.

On January 15, 2024, Linda peacefully transitioned to her eternal heavenly home. Her loving memories will be cherished by her daughter, Demecia Dawkins, and her two sons, Derrick Wesley (Elaine) and Justin Dawkins (Brittany); six grandchildren: Aria Wesley, Reese Wesley, Zoe Wesley, Jackson Dawkins, Ava Dawkins, and Jalen Dawkins. Linda has two sisters, Jo Ann Willis (Floyd) and Marilyn Winright (Kenneth), and one brother, John Ford (Judy). Nieces and nephews: Shawanna Butler (Acy), Cedric Ford (Torreona), Marlon Winright, Phillip Ford (Tangy), Roderick Ford, Michael Ford (Antranika), Jarrod Taylor, Marvin Winright, Josh Ford, and a host of other nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents: father John Ford Sr., mother Gertherine Youngblood Ford, stepmother Earline Canaday Ford, and husband Obie Ray Dawkins.

A genuinely kind and sweet person, Linda had many friends and acquaintances. Everyone who knows her will tell you that she did not have a mean bone in her body. However, she would definitely let you know when she didn't care for a particular situation. Never judgemental, she was always gracious and friendly to people, even when she was having a difficult time. Her quiet, understated strength enabled her to find the bright side under the worst circumstances. She made sure to instill values into her two sons and daughters. Her beauty, strength, character, and integrity will live on through her children and grandchildren.