Linda Wesson Mahan

(July 28, 1943 - November 19, 2021)

The youngest of three sisters, Linda was born in Borger, Texas, to Charles “Chick” McDonald and Mabel Videll (née Gable). As a child, Linda’s first two years were characterized by her father’s absence as he fought in Europe as part of the 76th Infantry. With his return following the end of WWII, she became the quintessential “daddy’s girl,” developing a lifelong hero-worship of her father and what she always believed was his near single-handed victory over German fascism.

Linda graduated from Borger High School and attended Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee, before transferring to Frank Phillips College in Borger, where she studied business administration. In July 1963 she married Paul David “PD” Wesson, Sr., whom she blamed directly for her not earning higher grades during her freshman year of college despite her exceptional intelligence. Luckily, she didn’t hold that against him, and after they married, they established themselves in Sylacauga. In 1973 they moved to Childersburg, where they spent two decades operating Wesson’s Pharmacy. Together they had three children, Paul David, II, Cameron, and Chardonna.

With the acquisition of Mac & Ted’s Pharmacy in 1985, Linda and PD divided their time between their Childersburg and Sylacauga locations, but Linda was a fixture at both pharmacies, befriending everyone who came through the door. Despite PD’s declining health, Linda continued to keep things afloat, frequently demonstrating the patience of a saint no matter what challenges they faced. Eventually, they consolidated both locations into Village Pharmacy in Sylacauga, and spent another decade together serving the community’s health needs.

As if supporting two pharmacies wasn’t enough, in the 1990s Linda began a second career as an investment manager for Primerica Financial Services. During the next two decades she built a highly successful business of her own, winning numerous state, regional, and national sales awards, and rising to the level of Regional Vice President. Following PD’s death in 2004, she devoted herself to her business, earning even more awards and competitions. Among her prized possessions was a Rolex watch she received for being named Regional Vice President of the Year. Despite these accolades, she viewed her work with Primerica as a ministry that allowed her to meet the financial needs of her friends and neighbors.

In 2011, while attending a high school reunion in Texas, Linda had a chance meeting with her high school beau, Bruce Mahan. That connection reignited a romance that culminated in their marriage and Linda’s relocation to Katy, Texas. Linda and Bruce eventually moved to Burnet, in the Texas Hill Country. Linda embraced retirement with the same dedication she demonstrated in every other period of her life. She learned to hunt, fish, and golf as she and Bruce enjoyed their life together.

Before moving to Texas, Linda was a faithful member of the Valley View Church of God, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a long-time member of the Childersburg Garden Club, and somehow found the energy to support her three children through a gauntlet of academic and athletic commitments that frequently required her to be in three places at once.

Anyone who met Linda found her to be exceptionally caring and compassionate. She lived Christ’s admonitions in Mark 12:30-31 to the fullest, loving God and others with her whole heart. She died surrounded by her loved ones after a long, brave battle with cancer. She told few people about her struggle, preferring instead to spend her time doating on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her son Paul, II, and daughter-in-law Kim (née Ramge) of Kenton, Ohio, son Cameron of Allentown, Pennsylvania, sister Charlene Sherwood and brother-in-law A.G. Sherwood of Burnet, Texas, granddaughters Alexandra Heller, Andress Erlich, Lexi Phillips, Mackenzie Phillips, Savannah Mahan, Mallory Mahan, grandsons Kyle Phillips, and Jake Zepeda, great-granddaughters Dakota, Savannah, and Sayler, great-grandson Teegan, stepdaughter Leigh Mahan Zepeda, stepson Todd Mahan, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband PD Wesson, her husband Bruce Mahan, her parents, Charles “Chick” McDonald, Mable Videll (née Gable), her daughter Chardonna, her sister Gaydell Gillilan Adamie, and her niece Vanessa Gillilan Guest.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those who wish to honor Linda’s memory consider a contribution to the following charities:

Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

National Breast Cancer Foundation

American Cancer Society

American Bible Society