Linda Joyce Noble Gilliland

Linda Noble Gilliland

August 13, 1937 – April 9, 2025

Heaven will never be the same! Linda showed up at 3:30 pm on April 9th with a half-gallon of Taaka Vodka and some choice words for her late husband, Pat, who left her for heaven 21 years ago. After sharing those choice words with Pat, there is no doubt that the reunion was a joyous occasion, and the party lasted well into the night.

Linda was born in Jackson, Mississippi to Roy and Earline Noble. She was a graduate of Central High School and began her “social career” as a KA Rose at Millsaps College where Pat promptly fell in love with her upon seeing her dancing on the table at the KA house.

Pat and Linda married in 1960 and had 3 children within 4 years. Linda taught English briefly until the birth of her second child. Her adult years were spent raising her three children. She was a strong advocate for her kids while also maintaining a social life that would rival that of a college freshman. Linda was active in numerous luncheon clubs, dance clubs and the Jackson Yacht Club. She often did not believe the rules applied to her so she didn’t hesitate to park illegally in the Commodores parking spot. Stop signs and red lights were mere suggestions to Linda.

Pat and Linda were avid sailors, which is where she picked up the majority of her colorful language over the years. This is also likely where she picked up her swimming skills as she may or may not have jumped off the boat and swam back to shore on more than one occasion.

The Jackson Yacht Club and all its people have been an integral part of the Gilliland family for many years and for that we are so grateful. The family would like to thank the numerous friends and family who loved our Mom, who took care of our Mom and who kept our Mom young, vital and happy until the last day of her life.

Linda is survived by her son, Lee (Sheila) Gilliland; her daughters, Christy Gilliland Dunaway, and Leslie (Chad) Walton; her grandson Pat Lee Gilliland, her great grandchildren, Logan and Iliza Gilliland; her sisters, Mary Lane (Jimmy) Stiglets and Vicki Lynn (Shaw) Ott; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at St. Philip's Episcopal Church from 11:00am-1:00pm.  A celebration and thanksgiving for her life will follow at 1:00 pm.  

Riemann Family Funeral Home is serving the Gilliland family.  An obituary tribute may be viewed at www.riemannfamily.com .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either St. Philip’s Episcopal Church or the John McGowan Sailing Center at the Jackson Yacht Club.