Linda F. Gregory

Missionary Linda Faye Gregory peacefully departed this life on December 13, 2025, in Joliet, IL. She was born on March 13, 1951, in Texarkana, Texas. Missionary Linda was the devoted and loving wife of Elder Kenneth Gregory, Sr. Together, they raised three children: Elder Maurice E. Gregory (Karen) of Austin, Texas; Denarris Gregory of Joliet, Illinois; and Kenneth Gregory, Jr. of Joliet, Illinois.

She was the eldest of six siblings and is survived by her sisters and brothers: Doris Brown of Fort Washington, Maryland; Beverly Edmon (Frank) of Joliet, Illinois; Anthony Walker (Abigail) of Joliet, Illinois; and Wanda Walker of Joliet, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Doris Nadine Rhynes (Walker) and Lessie Biddle, her brother, Leslie Walker, and sister-in-law, Gail Walker.

Missionary Linda was a proud grandmother of six: Eric Wright, Sr. (Ashley) of Joliet, Illinois; Ashley Gregory of Phoenix, Arizona; Denaria Gregory of Joliet, Illinois; Adajanae Gregory of Joliet, Illinois; Rhiannon Holloway (Jarell) of Garner, North Carolina; and Donovan Gregory of Aurora, Illinois. She was also blessed to be the great-grandmother of nine: Keaton, Nevaeh, Amaya, JaKolbie, Mackenzie, Eric Jr., Olivia, Jarell Jr., and Amani, and the great-great-grandmother of two: Logen and Laurynn.

Missionary Linda received her early education in the Joliet Public School System, attending Eliza Kelly Grade School, Washington Junior High School, and Joliet Central High School.

She later continued her education at Joliet Junior College, where she studied accounting and secretarial courses.

Her professional life reflected her versatility and determination. Missionary Linda worked in various social service programs throughout Joliet, including serving as an instructor with Joliet Will County Learning Programs. She also worked with the Illinois Youth Commission, performing secretarial and administrative duties, later with the Community Action Agency, and also Willco Area Career Center where she was hired as an instructor after completing the program. Truly a Renaissance woman, she pursued every opportunity placed before her. She worked as a real estate agent, spent many years in the banking industry specializing in mortgage loan processing, and later trained as a tax preparer, working with Jackson Hewitt Tax Service for many years. Eventually, she became an independent tax preparer, successfully operating her own business until 2025.

Missionary Linda accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at nine years old at Second Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois. She was active in the Baptist Youth Fellowship and sang in the children’s choir. As a young adult, she joined St. James Church of God in Christ, where she faithfully served for many years as Choir Director, Sunday School Teacher, Evangelist, and later as District Minister of Music and State Choir President.

Later, when her son Maurice answered the call to pastor, Missionary Linda faithfully joined him in building Bread of Life Church of God In Christ, where she served with distinction as The Assistant Pastor and District Missionary of The Mason Memorial District, continuing her lifelong commitment to prayer, teaching, and service.

In subsequent years, she became a devoted member of Lively Hope Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of her brother-in-law, Pastor Frank Edmon, Jr., where she faithfully served as Church Mother and remained an active and beloved member until the day of her passing.

In addition to her immediate family, Missionary Linda leaves to cherish her memory a host of God children, loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Missionary Linda Faye Gregory will be remembered as a woman of unwavering faith, dedicated service, spiritual leadership, and unconditional love—one whose life touched generations, strengthened ministries, and whose legacy will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

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