Linda Parson was born on October 23, 1953 to Webb and Lottie Parson in Dallas, TX. Linda was
preceded in death by parents and brother, Harvey Parson.
Growing up in South Dallas, by way of Bonton, Linda was always a happy and studious child.
She was a stellar student at H.S. Thompson Elementary, Pearl C. Anderson Middle School, and
Lincoln High School. In May 1972, she graduated from Justin F. Kimball High School. In the fall
of that same year, she matriculated in East Texas State University, now Texas A&M at
Commerce. It was during her days studying at ETSU that Linda decided to seek membership
into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and was inducted into this prestigious sisterhood in Fall 1974.
She later received a Bachelor of Business Administration on August 13, 1976.
Shortly after graduating from college, several major events would change the course of Linda's
life. She landed a permanent job with the Internal Revenue Service, as a result of interning with
them during her summer and winter breaks. Her career with the IRS would span 33 years
before retiring. It was here she befriended many of her colleagues, who would eventually
become more like her family.
The most important decision Linda could make occurred in 1982. She accepted Jesus Christ as
her personal Lord and Savior under the pastoral tutelage of the late Reverend Kay Harold
Jackson, founder and pastor of Bright Star Missionary Baptist Church. Always an industrious and
faithful member, Linda sang in the choir and volunteered her time to the Missions Program. In
addition, she dutifully served as deaconess, church secretary, youth Sunday school teacher, and
president of the Usher Board and Pastor's Aid Committee. Under the church's current pastor,
Reverend Earnest Jackson, Sr., Linda continued her work in the ministry in many of the same
capacities. She leaves a legacy of thirty-eight years of membership and service at Bright Star
church.
Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen. On May 23, 1985,
Linda's miracle came in a form of a bundle of joy—a baby girl, fondly named Ursula Renee.
Ursula, an only daughter, took time to care for her mother throughout her 15-year battle with
ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease). "My mother always kept a smile on her face," recalls Ursula.
"She loved people and always cared about their well-being. I was her favorite, only child, and
her world usually revolved about me being my best."
Left to cherish loving memories along with Ursula is Linda's brother Webb Parson Jr. (Joann),
her best friend, Wanda Hogg, goddaughter Tecorra Hogg and her sister Tiffany Hogg, Serita
Parson, her niece, Bright Star church family, sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and a host of IRS co-workers, and friends.