Linda Fortune Benefield

Linda Fortune Benefield, 70, of Cottondale, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, James and Gladys Fortune; her sister, Kathy Hamm; grandson, Kyle Lewis Benefield Kelly; grandparents, Pennilee and Freely Fortune, Fred and Estelle Barnes.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Curtis Carroll Benefield; her children, Leslie Lee and husband, Michael, Brandy Gramling and husband, Jamie, Curt Benefield and wife, Jennifer, Aundrea Watson and husband, Clint, Candace Shores and husband, Danny; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; her sisters, Dottie and husband, Jim Acosta, Debora and husband, Alford Gay, Rene Mathis, Glenda Cogburn, Thelma and husband, Gary Barnes; two very special aunts, Faye Harrison and Evelyn Syfrett, both of Round Lake; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Linda was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother lovingly called "Meme". She worked for Jackson County School Board as a bus driver and cafeteria worker for more than 20 years. She enjoyed watching her husband and son race stock cars on dirt and asphalt. She also enjoyed bingo and cooking. Her favorite saying at home was, “If you leave my house hungry, it’s your own fault.”

She was a Christian woman and loved the Lord. She taught the adult Sunday School class and choir at Round Lake Baptist Church for years. Her home was always open to all, and she never met a stranger. If she loved you, you knew it and if you made her mad, you knew that also.

A special thank you to Emerald Coast Hospice for all the care they provided, also, to Dr. Spence and Meghan at Internal Medicine Associates in Marianna.

A graveside service will be 1:30 PM, Friday December 13, 2024, at Round Lake Community Cemetery with Brother Jim Ballard officiating and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel Directing.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Curtis Benefield, Jamie Gramling, Michael Lee, Clint Watson, Logan Benefield, Keelan Josey, Konner Gramling, Nathan Nichols, Jacob Stewart (honorary), and Hagan Brewer (honorary).