Linnea Plowman-Bailey

Friends and family may gather on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m.

Linnea was born on January 25, 1961, in Quincy, Illinois, to James Wilson and Betty May Plowman. She grew up in Hannibal, where she spent her younger years riding her horse, Molly Good-Golly, and enjoying the simple moments that would shape her lifelong love for animals. She graduated from Hannibal High School in 1979.

She attended Hannibal-LaGrange College, where she studied Respiratory Therapy, and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Columbia College. Linnea valued education deeply and had a love for both learning and teaching others throughout her life.

Linnea built a life centered around both hard work and caring for others. She worked in real estate and retail sales and later helped manage the family business. Earlier in her career, she worked at 88.5 The Mix (WGCA), a Christian radio station, where she shared her faith and brought encouragement to those around her.

She had a deep compassion for animals and was heavily involved in animal rescue throughout her life, helping care for and rehome horses, dogs, cats, and more. Whether through organized rescues or simply taking in animals herself, she had a heart for anything in need.

She loved traveling to Florida, visiting Disney World with her family, going on walks, watching crime shows, and spending time with the people she loved most. She was also known, lovingly, for running a little late, something that became a lighthearted and memorable part of who she was. She had a great sense of humor and would often joke, ‘The only thing I can make is dinner reservations,’ a line that reflected the joy, humor, and authenticity she brought into every room.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Linnea was a devoted Christian who loved sharing her testimony, praying for others, and encouraging those around her. She was the type of person who would stand in someone’s corner no matter what, always pointing them back to God. Even during her time in the hospital, she continued to share God’s love with doctors, nurses, and those around her.

Linnea was known for her unconditional love and generosity. She was the kind of person who would give whatever she had to make sure others were taken care of. She listened without judgment, loved deeply, and made sure the people in her life always knew how much they meant to her. She was also someone you wanted in your corner, as she would fight fiercely for the people she loved.

Above all, Linnea loved her family. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Gerald (Jerry) Bailey; her sons, Trint Johnson and Joshua (Heather) Johnson, both of Columbia; her grandchildren, Cyrus (Ashlynn) Johnson, Hunter (Tayla) Guerra, Gabriella (Vince) Wilson, Mattias Johnson, Luke Johnson, and Sebastian Johnson; her sister, Patricia Plowman of Hannibal; as well as a loving extended Family. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Max, and her dear cats, Tesla, Benji, and Cash.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Terry Plowman, and her parents.

Linnea will be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering faith, her sense of humor, and the way she made everyone feel loved, supported, and never alone.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com