Linda ‘Melinda’ Darlene Gibson Burkeen

Linda "Melinda" Darlene Gibson Burkeen passed away May 21, 2023, surrounded by her family, to be reunited with her loved ones in Heaven. She was a beloved mother, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother.

Known for lighting up any room she entered with her smile and unwavering optimism, Linda was a realtor but found her true calling in her family. She cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, always supporting and enriching their lives. Some of her favorite activities included long phone calls with her loved ones, trips to the beach or lake, extravagant tea parties with exquisite hats, and thrifting. Linda was passionate about politics, interior design, shopping and manners. She was also a talented writer and storyteller, with a special talent for writing poetry and children's books.

Loved for her delicious turkey and dressing and unbelievably good brownies, Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Whitson Gibson; her brothers, Kenneth and Jerry Gibson; and her son, Kenton Lee Wasson.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Burkeen; ex-husband Mike Wasson and his wife Becky Jane; brother Don Gibson; daughters Kelly Wasson Snapp (Scott), Kristi Wasson Johnson (Shelby), Amanda Burkeen Pruitt (Timothy); and sons Kurt Wasson (Valerie) and Brandon Burkeen.

Linda will be dearly missed by her grandchildren Blake Snapp, Morgan Snapp Lenaburg, Arynn Johnson, Evan Johnson, Korey Wasson, Kanynn Wasson, Keaton Wasson, Kamdyn Wasson, Landon Pruitt and Aniken Pruitt, as well as her great-grandchildren Keelyn Kilsby, Kingston Kilsby, Kai Snapp, Jackson Lenaburg, Easton Lenaburg, Karson Lenaburg and Landry Wilson.

A private graveside celebration of life will be held to honor Linda's memory.