Linda Willard Black's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Linda Willard Black on June 9, 2025, at the age of 79 in Fayetteville, AR. Linda was born to Karl Porter “K.P.” and Helen Willard in Fort Smith, AR, on April 30, 1946. She was raised in Fort Smith, AR, graduated from Stuart Hall in Staunton, Virginia and attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She worked at First National Bank of Fort Smith until she retired and moved to Fayetteville, AR and then to Tulsa, OK, where she lived for the last 22 years. Linda was a faithful Christian and previously attended First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, First United Central Methodist Church in Fayetteville, AR, and Redeemer Covenant Church in Tulsa, Ok.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Hugh “Tater” Black. Her niece, Kathy Diane Biggs, and dearest brother-in-law Dan P. Holmes, Jr., also paved the path to Heaven for her. She is survived by her two children: daughter, Lisa (David) Johnson, of Fayetteville, AR and son, Lee (Cindy) Sutherland, of Fort Smith, AR. Lovingly called “Nana”, she is survived by her six grandchildren: Emily Johnson, Sara Johnson, Lindsey Johnson, Lauren Sutherland, Hayden Sutherland and Mia Sutherland. Linda is survived by her especially cherished sister, Jeanne Willard Holmes, of Tulsa, OK, her nephew, Mike Biggs, of Dallas, TX, and a number of cousins.
Linda touched the lives of her family with her warm smile, quick wit and love of lap dogs. Though Linda has departed this world and is in heavenly arms, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. May she rest in peace, and may we carry her forward with us always.
No funeral services are planned. Cremation services are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Little Lighthouse, a Tulsa non-profit helping children with special needs, 5120 E. 36th Street, Tulsa, OK 74135.
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