Linda Kay Morrison, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend left this world Wednesday June 18, 2025. Linda is the daughter of the late Robert Franklin and Toka Morris. After losing her mother to cancer at the age of five, Linda “Kay” was raised by her sister and brother-in-law, Wanda “Tot” and Charles Runyon. Linda was eleven of twelve children. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Helen Squires, Mary Scarberry, Wanda Runyon, brothers Robert Morris, Charles Morris, mother-in-law Eva “Mabel” Morrison and father-in-law Clarence “Bill” Morrison, her special brother-in-law Charles Runyon who had raised her as his own, and her loving daughter-in-law Mary Jo Morrison who she loved as her own. Linda is survived by her husband and the love of her life of 56 years, Bill Morrison. She also leaves behind her son Scott Morrison, daughter MaryBeth Freeman and son-in-law Donal Freeman, grandson Robert Freeman, granddaughter Jillian Freeman, sisters Sue Wade, Faye Lindquist, Sharon Lunsford, brothers Jimmy Morris, Glen Morris, Al Morris, Chuck Runyon, Bobby Runyon, many nieces and nephews that she held dear to her heart, and an abundance of friends.
Linda’s humble beginnings started in a one-bedroom home on Harvey Town Road. When her mother passed her older sister “Tot” and brother-in-law Charlie provided a loving home for her. Linda’s 8 older siblings not only provided additional love and care but also assisted financially for her care and two other siblings. Several siblings made the sacrifice of quitting school to acquire full-time work to help with costs in the years to come to raise their baby sister. Linda was exposed to hardship and loss at a very young age, however the strength, love, compassion and grit her family embodied became synonymous with her own character throughout her life, seeping into the abundance of relationships made with those she met along her journey.
As the first college graduate of her family, Linda earned a BA in education and a master’s degree in special education from Marshall University. She went on to become a special education teacher for Cabell County Schools for 33 years. Linda was a renowned educator, believing in the potential of every student, specifically championing those most vulnerable. She provided a loving and nurturing environment within her classroom walls. Her leadership and innovative practices motivated countless educators to strive for the same excellence. Her iconic role inspired her own daughter to become an educator.
Saying Linda was a devout Christian is insufficient when describing the faith she embodied. She was well versed in the Bible, living a life that exemplified the words written. Some say she would be at the church anytime the doors were open, but in fact, Linda had her own key to the doors. Singing in the choir gave her much joy and her beautiful soprano voice was a spiritual blessing. She was a steward for Christ living life guided by faith every step of the way.
Linda was a talented cook and baker making the simplest meals feel as if they were a five-star dish. Her favorite place was her kitchen. She was an avid fan of the Food Network, however anyone having the privilege to enjoy Linda’s cuisine would assert, she should be the star of her own cooking show. Her cookbooks and family recipe cards neatly tucked away, each recipe embarking upon a cherished memory of her beautiful life. She loved cooking for others and bringing people together with her meals.
Linda leaves behind her husband Bill, the love of her life. Their marriage was iconic, setting a blueprint outlining the importance of love, respect, devotion, and commitment to one another. Together they raised a family and built a life many can only dream.
Family was the heart and soul of Linda’s life. Her immediate family and extended family filled her life with a wealth of love and joy, giving her purpose for each day shared. It has been said, “Your greatest accomplishment in this life may not be something you do, but someone you raise.” This sentiment was at the core of Linda’s love for her children Scott and MaryBeth. She was their greatest fan, whether supporting Scott’s love of motorcycles and music or attending every event where MaryBeth held a baton in her hand. She was their confidant, the only person they sought when the world turned their back on them. As they grew older, she became their best friend in life and losing her creates a brokenness never to be healed.
Then came her grandchildren, Robbie and Jillian. The love she cherished with them was sacred and words will never capture the bond they shared. Linda was the grandmother every child deserved, assuring they felt loved every day while also instilling a sense of feeling they were the most important people in the world. They could wake every morning and go to rest at night knowing their Nana loved them more than they ever felt possible. Her absence will leave a consistent and significant void in their lives forever.
Linda had a vivacious personality with a magnetic presence lifting the spirits of everyone she met, ensuring they felt valued and loved. Her quick wit and playful sense of humor combined with her boisterous, contagious laugh brought so much joy to those around her, even on their darkest days. She didn’t know a stranger and she was the epitome of kindness and humanity. Her gentle caring spirit brought love and compassion to those often neglected. We aspire to have purpose in life, to have significance of our time here. Linda’s life was not only purposeful it was legendary. Her significance and impact in this world will be conveyed for generations to come, tiptoeing into small conversations, witnessed in others’ self-less acts mimicking her own love and generosity for humanity. Her compassionate and kindred spirit will continue to live vicariously through each person she touched along her journey outlasting generations to come. Fly high Linda, you are now at home. We will love you to the end of our days, until we meet your precious soul again.
Services will be held at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville on Tuesday, June 24 with visitation beginning at 4 p.m. and a celebration of life service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Linda Morrison to Barboursville Public Library at 749 Central Ave. Barboursville, WV 25504. We would like to welcome everyone who knew Linda to attend a dinner immediately following services at Cox Landing United Methodist Church where we will gather to share memories and celebrate Linda’s beautiful life.
