Mrs. Linda Simms Calhoun's Obituary
Linda Simms Calhoun was a devoted and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Linda's love for life did not end when she transitioned. She transitioned from this life to her heavenly home on March 19, 2023 at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives according to God's purpose ahd plan for them. Linda was born on January 2, 1947 in Jacksonville, Texas to her parents David Simms Sr. and Christine Willis, making her the eldest of 15 siblings. She lived with her grandparents (Mama and Papa) whom she adored, and moved to Houston at the age of 12. She attended Kashmere Jr. And Sr. High School and proudly graduated with the class of 1965. Linda was a retired administrative assistant of 35 years for the former North Forest Independent School District of Houston, Texas. During her high school years, she excelled academically and was inducted into the National Honor Society. As well, she was an avid athlete, demonstrating sharp skills as an archer, volleyball and tennis player. Her dedication and competitive drive lead to her lettering 3 times, district victory and ultimately 2nd place in the state competition.
Following high school, Linda Calhoun continued higher education studies at Texas Women's University, majoring in Nursing. After nearly 2 years of completed studies at TWU, during the interim session, Linda married Her husband of now 56 years, James Calhoun Sr and had their first child, a bouncing baby boy. While working in the medical profession for a few years, their family grew to include her daughter. She loved the health profession and viewed herself as a true servant striving to provide health and wellness care to each and every patient. However, the evening hours and shift work began to tug at her heartstrings as she had two young children to nurture. Linda made a decision to turn her focus toward her children, returned to school and earned certification that allowed her to work as an administrative
assistant. She was able to use these skills as well as her ability to work with the public to create a positive and effective office environment that supported the educational goals of her employer. She enjoyed her new opportunity but above everything else this career move allowed her to do what she loved most, nurture and care for her family and thread into the lives of her beautiful children an essential and balanced developmental experience. When they left for school, she saw them off, and when they returned home, she arrived shortly thereafter, weaving into their psyche the value of being responsible human beings. She has always been a devoted wife and mother, taking nothing for granted, and being grateful to God for every mountain peak and valley in her life. Linda Simms Calhoun believed hat she truly had it all--Salvation, God's Promises, Family, and a Servant's Heart.
Linda accepted Christ as her Savior in her early years and upon moving to Houston, joined Kashmere Gardens Missionary Baptist Church. Soon after marrying her husband, Linda became a proud member of Gospel Hill Baptist Church in northeast Houston. She was a songstress who loved singing in the choir and alongside her brother-in-love, John Calhoun Sr. in the group--The Gospel Voices. As well, Linda loved spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals for her family. She enjoyed family gatherings where she could light up her pit, turn on her stove, whip up a few desserts, and feed her entire crew of family and friends.
During Linda's retirement years she was inducted into Kashmere Former Athletes Association Ring of Honors and a Hall of Fame Inductee into the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association for Outstanding Athletes of COLOR. She enjoyed walking, playing pickleball, going to the gym with her favorite chuch buddies, spending time with her Favorite Cousin--the late Vivian Maxine Reeves, and visiting with elder cousins in her family. On her morning walks she'd even find herself at her Cousin Sally,
Cousin Willie, or Charles Ray's houses. She was preceded in death by her parents--Christine and Richard McNaulty and David and Rose Simms, her grandson Trevor, sblings--Judy McNaulty, Janice Richard, Ephlyn Simms, Richard McNaulty Jr and David Simms Jr.
Linda leaves to cherish her memory her husband--James Sr, her children--James Jr (Trameshia) and Veronica (Roy), 8 grandchildren--Chad, Julian, Tre'mone (Katherine), Jalind, Tivyronne (Hailey), Jayla, Tobias, Tori, 4 beloved godchildren--Fayetta, Nicholette (Andy), Vashon, Madison, 9 siblings--Donald (Gloria), Vernal (Vanessa), Kathleen (Davy), Rhonda (John), Emmanuel (Demetria), Stephanie, Kenneth (Shareen), Christopher, and Andrea (Larry), and a host of family and dear friends.
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