Linda Jean McBee, 76, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on August 11, 2023.

Linda was born on May 15, 1947. In Weatherford Texas to Vivan and Eugene McBee. She was the youngest of five brothers and five sisters, which includes step siblings from Clifford Chatman. Linda attended school in Texas and graduated from Peaster High School in class of 1965. After she attended Weatherford Jr. College where she enjoyed playing basketball, hard to picture? We have all the pictures to prove it! Linda married the love of her life, Thomas Hancock on June 25th 1966.

The story goes she was a waitress in a local coffee shop in Weatherford, Thomas was in town working construction on the library. Thomas stopped by the coffee shop and was having a conversation about another guy. Linda overheard him and told Thomas "You know what, that is my brother!" From that moment on they were inseparable. She loved Thomas because he was different, a Florida boy. Thomas loved Linda being older than him. Thomas always joked about Linda robbing the cradle, and she always joked that he fibbed about his age.

After a beautiful wedding Linda and Thomas welcomed three beautiful daughters; Lucinda Jean, Michell Lee, and Tommie Lynn. Early in the marriage they lived in Texas then they moved to Florida. Linda spent the majority of her adult life living between Bradenton, New Port Richey, and Gainesville Fl. She was loved deeply, laughed often, shed tears and rejoiced in life and the Lord. She had a love for adventures, you would often find her outdoors or with a good book. Don't think you can out catfish her! From her three daughters she gained three son in-laws, Jim Herring, Tim Cassaday and Will Byrd. She has two grandsons and three granddaughters; Thomas James Cassaday, Thomas Foster Honeycutt, Gracen Lee Hinkle, Katelynn Isabel Slack, and Gillian Marie Herring. Linda has five great grand babies whom she loved with all her heart. Linda leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom love her dearly. Family meant everything to her and we all are missing her greatly.

Linda was called home to our Lord and savior on Friday August 11th, 2023. We know that she was welcomed at the gates of heaven by her late husband Thomas, all of her sisters and brothers, her parents, and all of the beautiful souls that helped raise her along the way. While she is deeply missed we know she is at peace. We are embracing the joy she gave us throughout the years and holding on to the precious memories she has left us with.

As per Linda's wishes she has been cremated and will be reunited with her love Thomas at Bushnell National Cemetery. Together once more now and forever.

As mentioned earlier her service will be at Bushnell National Cemetery on August 31st, 2023 at 11:30 AM. After her services we ask that you join us for a celebration of life luncheon at Beef o' Brady's 2586 W County Road 48 Bushnell, Fl. 33513. If you plan to attend the celebration of life please let us know so we can communicate to the restaurant. We encourage you to bring any photographs and memories that you would like to share.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to a charity in her name. We suggest Tunnels for Towers, Fisher House, or Cloud covered streets or a charity of your choice. All of these charities mean a lot to Linda and have impacted her life at one point and time.

Tunnels To Towers- www.t2t.org Cloud Covered Streets- Cloudcoveredstreets.org/Ft-worth-texas-donation/ Fisher House- FisherHouse.org

As this day of sorrow comes,

tears in our eyes, loneliness in our hearts,

we say goodbye.

Thank You for sharing your life with us,

without you, we will not know

the love of God for us.

For you are a blessing in our eyes.

We thank the Lord for sharing you with us.

He has given us a great gift that we will never forget.

Even as the sun sets and the rain falls down.

God is indeed amazing, for knowing who we need.

Grace Noll Crowell - Saying Goodbye