Linda Ferguson Obituary

On December 30, 2024, at the age of 82, Linda M. Ferguson embarked on a new journey, free from pain and full of joy. At 1:41 PM, her spirit took flight, leaving Ethel, Louisiana, to begin her new life in heaven.

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Linda led an incredible life. She never sought worldly things but embraced the simple life of a stay-at-home wife and mother. At the age of 15, she fell in love and married her sweetheart, Glen Ferguson, affectionately known as “Baby.” Together, they walked hand in hand for 65 years, raising five children—a remarkable achievement. Linda cherished her role as a wife and mother, taking pride in the legacy her children built, which includes 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Many would say her favorite title was “Maw Maw.” Family was everything to her; they were the loves of her life. She loved them fiercely and always wanted the best for them.

Linda’s kindness and love will remain with us. She cared deeply for her family and friends, and if you knew her, you probably loved her. One thing about Linda was that you never had to wonder where you stood with her, she was quick to let you know, good or bad. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be deeply missed.

Linda loved cooking and hosting meals for others. She was an excellent cook and passed that talent on to her husband when her health no longer allowed her to cook. She directed; he executed. One of her favorite activities was preserving fresh fruits and vegetables, and she always had a pot of coffee ready for anyone who stopped by. Linda was a people person who loved spending time with others.

Raising her children was her greatest focus, but later in life, Linda discovered her talent for drawing and painting. After taking a few art classes, she created beautiful works, including a stunning landscape painted on a large sawmill blade for her niece. Her artistic talents had shown earlier, as she would reverse-paint Christmas scenes on the front windows of their Baton Rouge home every holiday season.

Linda deeply loved her church and her church family. As a child, she often sang solos at her neighborhood church. She was especially proud of her son Michael, who serves as the pastor at Lanier Baptist Church. Before illness took its toll, Linda was faithful in her service to the Lord. She regularly attended Sunday School and church services and was instrumental in starting the Wednesday Meal Deal ministry at Lanier—a reflection of her passion for cooking and serving others.

Linda was predeceased by her father, Farrel Edwin McDaniel Sr.; her mother, Lucille Nugent McDaniel; her sisters, Donaldeen Long, Gwen Jarreau, and Charlotte Tabor; and her grandson, Mason Paul Ferguson. She is survived by her devoted husband, Glen; her four sons, Glen (Tammy), Michael (Bridget), Steven (Beth), and Jeffery (Vonda); her daughter, Stephanie; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing Linda is now free from pain, surrounded by eternal joy. The memory of her love and spirit will forever shine brightly, guiding and inspiring our family through the years to come.

The services will be at Lanier Baptist Church located at 4851 Lanier Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70812. Visitation will be on Friday 1/3 from 5-8 PM. Visitation will resume on Saturday 1/4 from 9-11 AM and the service will begin at 11 AM. Bural will be Monday 1/6 at 11 AM in the Louisiana National Cemetery located at 303 W. Mount Pleasant Road, Zachary Louisiana 70791.

In Lieu of flowers, family request memorial gifts that will be used to honor Linda's life and memory, though Lanier Baptist Church and St. Jude’s's Children's Research Hospital.