Linda Marie Magness, 74, passed away on January 12th, 2024 in her Conroe home, eleven months and eleven days after the passing of her beloved husband, Ronald “Papa Jelly Bean” Magness. She was surrounded by family members both in person and in photos, along with a lifetime of the incredible, hand-drawn portraits she was, rightfully, so proud of. Linda, “Nana” to all those who loved her, lived a big and full life.
Linda was born on August 20th, 1949 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. She was survived by her children JR DeLeon, Andrea and Shawn Choisser, Shane and Tyanne Magness, Ed and Adrianna Putman, Shad and Leslie Magness, and Casey and Charles Phillips; Grandchildren Adryianna and Ryan Haar, Alexa Brown, Isaac Magness, Savanna Estrada, Brayden Magness, Austin DeLeon, Ally DeLeon, Benjahmin Phillips, Andrew DeLeon, Anna DeLeon, Amanda DeLeon, Annaleasia DeLeon, Abby Phillips, Cooper Magness, Adlee Magness; Great-grandchildren Maribelle Dobbs, Shelton Dobbs, Roger Haar, Jaxson Haar, Caleb Haar, Azalea Griggs and Penelope Griggs- Estrada.
She also is survived by her siblings Debbie and Bobby Asuncion, Pat and Siri Waddell, Scott and Francie Waddell, Mike and Tina Waddell; In-laws Patty and Bob Beilsmith; nephews and nieces, Amy, Ray, John, James, David, Thomas and Carol.
Nana’s ear was always available for conversation. She had many stories she happily shared; talking often about her time as a city bus driver in Anaheim, California. She regularly shared of the fun she had painting holiday windows for both Hallmark and the Octa bus station. She spoke about her best girlfriends often, sharing her memories of Janet in Boston, followed by more stories of when they found each other twenty years later. She loved reminiscing of her times with Sharon at Octa, and always spoke fondly of Shirley, who introduced her to her Ronald.
Nana became someone her grandchildren could run to. The home she and Papa created was filled with love, cookies and support that helped us grow. Her rooms were filled with hobbies that she loved or hoped to one day return to, as well as, many she hoped to learn. She was an amazing artist with her own studio right next to Papa’s barn. She taught us to always try, because you never know what you might be great at. She showed us her hand-sculpted Santas, her ribbon winning portraits, and told stories of the bears and angels she made to give out as gifts when she drove buses; buses she drove to many memorable places like the Olympics and rodeos.
She was a feisty red-head, with a fire that began as a spark and grew into a strength that she passed on to all of us who were lucky enough to know her.
A celebration of life for Linda will be held Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303.
