Linda Catherine Blaydes

Linda was a devout Christian who grew up in the Church and faithfully served the Lord throughout her life. Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived daily—through her kindness, her gentle spirit, and the unwavering love she showed to everyone she met.

Linda was the beloved wife of Steve Blaydes for 45 wonderful years. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and faith. She was a devoted and proud mother to her daughters, Catherine Elaine Wright (Brad) and Julie Blaydes Henderson (Christopher), who were the greatest joys of her life.

She treasured her role as “GiGi” to her three grandchildren—McKinley and Cole Wright, and Reed Henderson. Her eyes would light up at the mention of their names, and she delighted in every story, milestone, and moment spent with them.

Linda was a proud native of Memphis, growing up in Parkway Village and graduating from Sheffield High School. She went on to attend and graduate from Memphis State University, where she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.

Linda was a true lady in every sense of the word. She loved to shop, appreciated beauty and style, and always carried herself with poise, elegance, and quiet confidence.

Over the years, Linda embraced many roles, including bank teller, homemaker, bookkeeper, and substitute teacher. While her daughters were in school, she was deeply involved in their activities and found great joy in serving as a “room mom” for many years and even as PTA President.

Her favorite career, however, was as a travel agent—a role she held for more than 15 years. Travel was one of Linda’s greatest passions. She delighted in exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures, and marveling at the beauty of God’s creation around the world.

Linda was a woman of remarkable strength. She was a two-time breast cancer survivor who faced each diagnosis with courage, faith, and determination. Later, she battled Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease with the same bravery. Even as the disease progressed, her gentle nature and kind heart remained evident. Her resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steve Blaydes; her parents, Elan and Virginia Dawkins; her in-laws, Charles and Barbara Blaydes; her sister-in-law, Karen McDaniel; her nephew, Nicholas Young; and her close friends, Deborah Henderson and Jan Ogelsby.

She leaves behind her daughters, Catherine Elaine Wright (Brad) and Julie Blaydes Henderson (Christopher); her cherished grandchildren, McKinley and Cole Wright, and Reed Henderson; her sisters, Regina Loden (Ronald) & Mary Magee (Chuck); and her brother, David Dawkins; along with many nieces & nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

Elaine and Julie would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff, nurses, and administrators at Belmont Village for the exceptional care, compassion, and dignity they showed to both their father and mother during the past four and a half years. Your kindness brought comfort during an incredibly difficult season. They would also like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Baptist Trinity Hospice for the gentle and attentive care they provided, ensuring their mother’s comfort and peace in her final months.

The family will receive friends, Saturday, February 28th 2026, One o'Clock in the afternoon until service time at Two o'clock, at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Road, Bartlett, TN 38133

There will be an Ice Cream Social in the Arlington Suite of the Funeral home following burial for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Linda’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.