Linda Braswell

Linda was born April 19, 1929 in Ruston, Louisiana to Wright and Gladys Sherrard. She was the youngest of six children; Andrew Sherrard, Tillman Sherrard, Alverne Sherrard Yazvac, Elward Buddy Sherrard, and Freddie Sherrard.

Linda graduated from Ruston High School and later married Johnny L. Braswell, Jr. She worked as a switch board operator for M. Levy Department Store until the birth of her daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Braswell McCoy. After the birth of her only child, Linda became a full-time Mother. She was very active in her daughter’s activities, including PTA, Brownies, sports, and school. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Linda was active in church Sunday school, choir, and women’s bible study. She was a member of Eastern Star. Linda enjoyed hobbies such as cooking, gardening, sewing and spending time with her family and friends. She has one grandchild, the joy of her life, Lauren Ashley McCoy, who is pursuing a nursing career in honor of her Mimi. After raising her daughter, Linda worked at the Unique Shop in Shreveport, Louisiana. Linda moved to Waco, Texas in 2002 to live with her daughter and granddaughter when she began to show the early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and became a resident of St. Catherine Center.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Wright and Gladys Sherrard, brothers Andrew, Tillman, Buddy and sister Alverne and her beloved dachshund Buddy.

Linda is survived by her daughter Debbie McCoy, granddaughter Lauren McCoy, former husband Johnny Braswell, brother Freddie Sherrard, sisters-in-law Jane Sherrard and Drucilla Sherrard, several nieces and nephews as well as close friends. The family would like to thank Dr. J.D. Kosarek and our “family” at Hillcrest Clinic Midway, nursing staff at St. Catherine with special thanks to Pamela Whitley, Mama’s special angel, and the caring staff of Providence Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, or Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue.

If you are unable to attend the funeral service or visitation you may click on the Video Services Tab on the homepage of www.gracegardensfh.com and follow the directions, to watch it live.

Funeral Service

Wednesday August 31, 2011 , 3PM at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel

Visitation

Tuesday August 30, 2011 , 6 - 8PM at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel