Mary Linda Doyle

Mary Linda Dunning Doyle, 86, of Madison, Alabama, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023. Linda was born on May 14, 1937 in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is preceded in death by her parents, Worth Lewis Dunning and Charlotte Victoria Wallace Dunning and her sisters, Sandra Victoria Huechtker and Charlotte Ann Dunning.

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, John Herman (Jack) Doyle; their three children; and two grandchildren. Daughter, Jacqueline Doyle Allison and husband, Mark of Jasper, Georgia. Daughter, Jeanette Doyle Rodgers and husband, David of Madison, Alabama and Son, John Dunning Doyle and wife Dorothy Johnson of East Hampton, New York. Grandchildren, Mallory Rodgers Tryon and husband William of Madison, Alabama, and Michael Allen Rodgers also of Madison. In addition, Linda was much loved by her extended family and wide circle of friends.

Linda met Jack at the Baptist Student Union at the University of New Mexico where they were students together. Jack graduated UNM in June, 1957 and they were married June 22, 1957 at the First Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Linda ultimately graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Library Science and then obtained her Masters in Social Work {LCSW). Linda worked as a psychotherapist with the Oak Ridge Psychotherapy Practice for 35 years in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Linda was also instrumental in setting up the Contact Teleministry Program in Oak Ridge and was Director for the first two years.

Linda was a passionate practitioner of Thích Nhất Hạnh mindfulness meditation, yoga, Reiki and healing touch. Linda loved music and had a beautiful voice which she shared with her church, family and friends. A lover of the arts, Linda was an accomplished potter and sculptor. Linda loved to read, travel and especially loved the outdoors and nature, including her constant canine companion, Gracie. Linda loved the beach and spent many happy vacations there with her family. She equally inhabited the natural world and spiritual realm; she was the epitome of ‘spiritual beings having a human experience’.

Of her many accomplishments, Linda was most proud of, and happy to be with, her beloved husband, children and grandchildren. Linda was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church in Madison.

Linda was loved by everyone who knew her and touched the heart of so many others. She was curious about people and took a deep interest in them, always asking questions in her quest for connection and understanding. Linda was thoughtfully generous, a giver of personal gifts to people related to people in her life. Her love was boundless and she always saw the good in others. Linda was so uniquely herself and her legacy will be that our differences are God’s expression through each of us; they should be appreciated.

The family is very appreciative of Linda’s caretakers and church family for their support.

A celebration of life for Linda will be Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 1088 Hughes Road; Madison, AL 35758.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, P.O. Box 752, Madison, AL 35758, or your favorite charity.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcconnellfuneral.com.