Linda Marie Galvan

Our dear Mommy, LINDA MARIE JONES GALVAN, was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on October 4, 1949 to our loving grandparents, Lloyd and Elaine Skidmore Jones. She grew up in Wyandotte and graduated from Roosevelt High School there. She then attended Beauty School. On October 4, 1969, she married a Navy sailor, Jeremiah Galvan (her sugar bugar as she called him). He was the love of her life for over 50 years. Shortly after marriage, Linda and Jerry, began their family together and moved to Texas. They made HOME in a tiny Texas town called Hankamer. They began their ministry work together. Mom would help with various church activities, volunteered at the nursing home doing hair and she would take us along sometimes to visit and sing. It was then that we learned that Mom had a heart to help and serve people. She became an example of the love of Jesus that we should have towards others. Besides being a pastor’s wife, she was also a missionary with Dad to Mexico where they planted seeds that are still growing today and blooming in countries around the world. Part of being a pastor’s wife was also taking care of things at church. Mom coordinated dinners, ladies meetings, vacation bible schools and so many other activities. She loved to make candy bags for every activity and holiday so everyone left with something. She always had so much joy when it came to serving others and we learned so much through her giving and dedication. Mom and Dad spent many years working and serving the Lord together. Mom always found the time to attend our school assemblies, track meets, choir concerts, and games and always praised us when we did well and encouraged us when we needed it. She also became mom to many “adopted” children (our friends). As we grew up and began our families, Mom became Nana to so many (and not just her grandchildren). She had many girl scouts that adored her as their nana too. She was always there to help guide us and support us in everything we did.

As our family began to grow, our gatherings were always full of so much love and lots of good food, especially Mom’s chocolate chip cookies, mini pecan pies and cheesecakes. Holiday gatherings were always the best because Mom made sure we always had a buffet and we couldn’t forget her favorite, sauerkraut and kielbasa. Mom, you were always giving of yourself in everything you did for us. Mom never missed a birthday or anniversary of any of ours and always went out of her way to make sure we celebrated it in some way, either by call, card, gift or party or all of the above. She always made sure we knew she cared for us. Mom’s hobby of crocheting and sewing was just another one of her ministries. Mom blessed so many family, friends and others with pillows, blankets, towels and treasured items that she created for them with her own loving hands. Her gifts of love are things that we will treasure always.

On the day Mom told Dad she wanted to see all of us , her children and grandchildren, to tell us how much she loved us and that she was going to be leaving to go heaven, our hearts were heavy and sad. Mom told us she talked to Jesus and told him she was ready to come home and that He was coming for her on Friday. On Friday, June 5, 2020, at the age of 70, mom went home with Jesus. We were gathered around her bed praying, singing and praising the Lord as she entered into His kingdom with such a peace. Your chains are gone, you have been set free. Mom had tremendous faith and trust in our Lord and her relationship with him was truly amazing as she served him with all of her heart. She served her family just as well. Mom, we will carry your love in our hearts and in our actions and promise to continue the work you started. Your husband, Jeremiah “Jerry” Galvan; your children, Jerry & Angela Galvan, Elaine & Tyrone Salinas, Rebecca & Dagoberto Torres and Lloyd & Andrea Galvan. Your grandchildren (great grands too), Linda & Austin Bailey (Ja’Nyah, Alina, Alona, Jonah); Blake & Bethany Tesar, Jerry & Bianca Galvan (Jeremy, Joshua), Austin & Ashley Tesar (River), Jennifer & Alex Godshalk (Jack), Ruben Galvan (Andrew), Tori Tesar & Cody Shook (Hunter, Aurora, Kimberly), Mailonni Galvan & Logan Jones, Lloyd Galvan & Haley Kruger(Keilani), Leilani and Savannah Galvan will all truly miss you but know we will be with you again. You also are survived by your brother, Robert & Diane Jones, your Uncle Don & Mary Skidmore, your sister- in – law Sabas Galvan, Lupe Galvan and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family in Michigan, Texas and a few other states. You had many friends that you made along your journey in ministry and in life. We know you loved them all very much. You were preceded in death by your parents, Lloyd and Elaine Skidmore Jones, your daughter in law, Maria Idalia (Yaya) Galvan and your loving Aunts & Uncles, Father in law & Mother in law, and other in-laws, nieces and nephews. We know you are rejoicing with them now. Pallbearers will be David Galvan, David Perez, Donald Haskins, Juan Gamez, Manuel Galvan, Ramon DeLeon, Ramon Galvan, and Ruben Galvan. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of her grandsons, Austin Jonah, Jerry, Blake, Austin, Alex, Cody, Lloyd and Logan. A reception provided by her nephews, nieces and other family members will be held after the graveside service at Word of Life Church. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to Word of Life Ministries care of Linda Galvan, 608 Hankamer Loop Road, Hankamer, TX 77560. Mom had a heart for missions and we want to continue planting seeds in the name of Jesus and in her honor. Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpour of love and support. We will truly miss our mommy but find comfort and peace knowing we will see her again and we pray for each of you. WE LOVE YOU MOMMY!