OBITUARY
Linda Wilbanks Olive
January 28, 1947 – February 20, 2021
Linda Carol Wilbanks Olive of Ooltewah, TN, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 20, 2021. She was 74 years old.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Thatch and Helen Vonzelle Meers Wilbanks; her son Matthew Gilbreath; and her husband, James Robert (Jim) Olive.
Linda leaves behind many loved ones including her brother, Larry Wilbanks; her sister, Susan Woody; daughters, Stephanie Culberson, Melissa Bache and Jamie Olive Cate; daughter in law, Monica Lynn Gilbreath; and grandchildren, Jarrett & Avery Bache; Braxton and Katelyn Angel; and Rylee and Makenna Gilbreath.
Linda was born January 28, 1947 in Chattanooga, TN. She graduated from Ooltewah High School, and Middle Tennessee State University. She had a very successful career in insurance, and retired from CIGNA, after which she worked for Chattanooga Sewing for several years before retiring again.
Linda loved to sew and quilt, and blessed many friends and family with her labors of love.
Linda was a member of Providence Baptist Church where she devoted much of her time and energy. She loved her church family and doing the Lord’s work.
There are not enough words to describe the many ways, and the number of people that Linda touched, or helped during her life. The void of her presence here will be felt by so many, but we rejoice that she is with the Lord in heaven.
Funeral services will be conducted from the graveside at 2:00 pm in Hamilton Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, with Pastor John Jones officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to the Missions fund, c/o Providence Baptist Church, 8523 Providence Road, Ooltewah, TN 37363.
We respectfully request that “social distancing”, wearing masks at all times, and all CDC guidelines and measures be adhered to at the funeral home and the cemetery.
If you aren’t comfortable in attending the service you may join us live for the service at: https://www.facebook.com/ChattanoogaNorthChapel/
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Services
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Graveside Service
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Memories
Linda Wilbanks Olive
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ADD A MEMORYSandra Lepley
February 25, 2021
I was so sorry to hear about Linda. We were in a sewing group together. She was so kind and sweet. She was also a very talented sewist.I am praying for her family during this extremely sad time with the loss of both Linda and her husband.
Doyle Woody
February 24, 2021
Linda was the best sister in law a man could ever have. Sweet,kind,do anything in the world for anyone. You will be missed by all. Love you Doyle
Richard (Rick) Bowers
February 22, 2021
I worked with Linda at Provident, Healthsource Provident and CIGNA. I never worked for Linda but we worked on numerous special projects throughout the years. Linda was a pleasure to work with and always greeted everyone with a smile. We live in East Brainerd and have seen Linda numerous times while dining out or shopping. She was a true friend and I am very sorry for the families of Linda and Jim upon their passing.
Dale White
February 22, 2021
I send my sympathies to Linda's and Jim's family in the shocking passing of both of them so close together. I worked with Linda for many years at Provident and then CIGNA. In my last few years (I retired in 2000), we were both Underwriting Directors, sitting in adjoining offices. I highly respected Linda, both professionally and as a person.
When my wife was diagnosed with cancer in late 2005, Linda wrote her a letter about me. Barbara loved getting that letter and made copies for our three daughters. Linda was overly generous in her comments, but I didn't try to dissuade Barbara.
May God comfort all of you in your loss. Dale White
Mary Biggs-Wagner
February 22, 2021
Linda and I were good friends and part of the close-knit OHS Class of 1964, of which she was Valedictorian. We had so much fun during our high school years...including sleep-overs at each other's houses. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.
Darlene Meers Gordon
February 22, 2021
Dear cousins Stephanie,Susan,Larry and Jim’s family. I was so saddened to learn about Linda & Jim. Their lives have touched so many and they loved being with and helping others. I have so many fun and loving memories of our childhoods. I can see Aunt Vonzelle dancing at heaven’s gate to welcome them (along with Uncle Leon and all the other Meers). Please know I love you all and you are in my prayers.
Susan Woody
February 22, 2021
Linda is my older sister and a best friend forever. Linda was a generous, giving person. She and her husband, Jim, cooked delicious meals for our family events. She and I talked on the phone every day and loved to watch the deer go from their yard to our yard. Linda is the best sister God could give me, and I am privileged to have her as mine. I thank God for her and will miss her on this earth until the day I die. I can just imagine her in Heaven!
STEVEN Meers
February 22, 2021
I am Linda's cousin Steven Meers.
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of Linda and Jim. Linda called us right before Christmas, and we had a great conversation on catching up with family. Linda & Jim were such wonderful people, we have such fond and happy memories of family gatherings at their home. We will miss them greatly. Much love for Stephanie, Susan and Larry.
Larry Wilbanks
February 22, 2021
Linda was the most wonderful sister that can be imagined. She was a most giving and talented person who truly enjoyed helping and mentoring other people. As my older sister, she always had time for a pesky little brother, and I always looked up to her. She is so talented in so many ways.
My wife Judy and I were lucky to have spent many wonderful times with Linda and Jim over the past few years, and are blessed to have done so. They were a wonderful couple and so good to so many people.
Linda is now in Heaven with our parents, her son Matt, and many others who have gone before her. Rest in peace wonderful sister. We love you.
Larry Wilbanks
February 22, 2021
Linda was the most wonderful sister that can be imagined. She was a most giving and talented person who truly enjoyed helping and mentoring other people. As my older sister, she always had time for a pesky little brother, and I always looked up to her. She is so talented in so many ways.
My wife Judy and I were lucky to have spent many wonderful times with Linda and Jim over the past few years, and are blessed to have done so. They were a wonderful couple and so good to so many people.
Linda is now in Heaven with our parents, her son Matt, and many others who have gone before her. Rest in peace wonderful sister. We love you.
Carolyn Rhodes
February 21, 2021
Jim was my brother and Linda was like a sister to me. She was my special friend and quilting buddy. We like taking our trips to Quilt Fest in Pigeon Forge every year. She taught me so much because she was so talented in embroidery and quilting. I will miss them more than words can say.
Jim was my computer expert that I would always call when something went wrong. He was just 13 months older than me. So talented and so helpful to others in need.
I know they have a special place in Heaven and hope they have met my husband Bob, who passed just two weeks ago. What a void I have in my life, but God will give me strength in the days to come.
Jane Breder
February 21, 2021
I am Jim's cousin.
When we moved to Knoxville, TN, in 2005 I was able to reconnect with Jim and met Linda for the first time. What a gracious, loving and welcoming hostess she was. We met at their home a couple of times and each time Linda prepared a delicious meal. She introduced us to some of her sewing projects and her special quilting and projects room. She was a real artist with fabric. I feel especially lucky to have been a recipient of one of her kitchen towel creations and remember her fondly each time I bring out the fall and Thanksgiving themed towel. She was a treasure.
David and I send our condolences to her family.
Jane and David Breder