Linda Lou Wilson

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Linda Lou Wilson, 89, will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 3200 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery in Haughton, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Kelly Berne will officiate the service.

Linda was born on March 4, 1937, to Ernest Olin Wilson and Daisy Cave Wilson in Shreveport, Louisiana, and passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

She devoted over 30 years to federal civilian service with the U.S. Department of the Air Force, supporting USAF headquarters operations at Barksdale Air Force Base and abroad. Her career took her far from her Southern roots and gave her the opportunity to spend many of those years living in Italy, Germany, and South Korea—places that broadened her world and left her with treasured memories and stories to share. Wherever she lived, she carried a bit of the South with her, including her unmistakable and lovely Southern accent.

After retiring from federal service, she began an entirely new chapter at the age of 56, becoming co-owner of Olsten’s Employment Agency with Jim Ryan. There, she brought her strong work ethic, sharp mind, and natural leadership to the business, offering guidance, encouragement, and professionalism to those seeking new opportunities.

Linda valued learning throughout her life and pursued her education across several institutions. She completed coursework at Centenary College, Northwestern State University, and Louisiana Tech University, later continuing her studies at Bossier Parish Community College, Central Texas College, and the University of Maryland. She also pursued additional training through the State University of New York and completed several CLEP examinations. Her early business studies began at the Ayers School of Business in Shreveport, and over the years she continued to grow professionally through numerous specialized courses, including real estate training through LSU and Century 21. Learning was a lifelong thread for Linda Lou, and she approached every opportunity with determination and pride.

During a period following her retirement, Linda found great meaning in participating in mission work through her church, an experience that reflected her generous spirit and desire to be of service to others. She was a proud Master Gardener whose talent and patience could bring any garden to life. Linda was exceptionally intelligent, curious, and thoughtful, always eager to learn something new or take on a fresh project. Whether she was tending her flowers, studying a new subject, or working with her hands, she approached everything with care and creativity. She also dearly loved the little dogs who shared her life through the years, each one holding a special place in her heart. She loved the people around her deeply and was happiest when sharing her time, her knowledge, or a good conversation. Her gentle nature, sharp mind, and steady kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Olin Wilson and Daisy Cave Wilson; her grandparents, Daniel Webster Cave and Norva Malone “Banny” Cave; her beloved sister, Rubye Susannah Wilson; and her niece, Deby Sherwin.

Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Robert Olin Wilson, and wife, Linda; nieces, Tami Case, Tiffany Wilson, Carol Cotten, and Kat Hilbish; and nephew, Ric McClanahan.

Honoring Linda as pallbearers will be Michael Pardon, Len Frederick, Scott Mundy, Mark Brotherton, and Olin Chase Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Ben Cotten and Garrett Cotten.