Linda Lou Woods of Bonham, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 18th, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on April 3rd, 1941, to W.O. Wilborn and Mattie Wilborn in Mineral Wells, Linda was a proud Texan through and through. She grew up alongside her older brother, David, whose passing at 18 left an indelible mark on her life. Linda’s formative years were rich with enduring friendships and treasured memories, especially her close bond with her best friend, Shari. Known for her adventurous spirit, Linda’s love for life was perhaps best captured in her legendary tales of racing her beloved black ’57 Chevy, a symbol of her independence and zest for adventure.

Linda grew up in a loving home, with many Sundays at church, where she played the organ. Some of her fondest memories were family vacations to Ruidoso, New Mexico, where she and David rode horses while their parents played golf. Linda’s father supplied jukeboxes across Texas, fueling her lifelong love of music, particularly her devotion to Elvis Presley.

After High School, she spent a year or so at the University of North Texas before moving to Dallas. There, she worked at LD Brinkman, a flooring company, where she handled their accounting and kept their books. She also worked at Foley's Dept Store, where she enjoyed selling jewelry. She agreed that Diamonds were a girl's best friend, and in her view, the bigger, heavier, and more Expensive the piece, the more she liked it and had to have it.

Throughout her life, Linda experienced both love and heartache. She married several times and outlived her husbands. Among them was William “Bill” Mahaley, a banker, with whom she shared two daughters, Heather and Holly. Heather married and had two daughters, Hannah and Kate, while Holly married and had two sons, Connor and Ty. Later in life, Linda found companionship with Harold B. Woods, a retired colonel. Their nearly five years together were filled with warmth, laughter, and memorable stories. Linda cherished her family and the time she spent with those she loved most.

Linda lived life on her own terms, with authenticity and few regrets. In her final months, guided by friends and her church community, Linda found comfort in prayer and faith, often reciting the Lord’s Prayer with those beside her.

Linda will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, wit, and loyalty to friends and family. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and cherished memories. While she will be deeply missed, we celebrate her journey, knowing she is reunited with her parents, brother, and perhaps her favorite ’57 Chevy. 

Services will be held at Wise Funeral Home on Saturday, October 3rd at 1 pm.