Linda Faye DeFoor Peña

November 21, 2025, at the age of 78, in her home surrounded by her loving husband, daughter, and son.

Linda was born on November 5, 1947, in Heavener, Oklahoma, to Jasper and Grace DeFoor. She grew up in Arkansas, graduating from Morrilton High School.

After graduation, Linda moved to Houston, Texas, where she met her husband, Carlos Javier Peña. They relocated to McAllen after the birth of their daughter, Sophia Dawn, later purchasing a home after the birth of their son, Carlos Javier, Jr. (C.J.)

Linda began working as a teacher’s aide for McAllen ISD while attending classes part time at Pan American University, later earning her bachelor’s degree with honors in elementary education and special education. She worked as a special education teacher at Alvarez Elementary in McAllen ISD, from where she retired.

Linda is survived by her husband, Carlos Javier Peña, Sr., daughter, Sophia Peña Garza (Luis), son, Carlos Javier, Peña Jr. (Miguel Orozco), and her five grandchildren, Alexander, Isabella, Lilia, Abigail, and Luna.

Linda is also survived by her siblings, Wanda Speck, Joyce Manning, Ernest DeFoor (Sharon), and Carolyn Kane, her brother in law Kenneth Bradshaw, and her sisters in law Gracie Pérez, and Lydia Fernández (Noé), and Alma Peña. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Jasper DeFoor and Grace Coliron, her sisters Bobbie Bradshaw and Shirley Ewing, her brother Paul DeFoor, her brothers in law Bobby Speck and Chester Ewing, her parents in law Fidel and Sofia Peña, her brother in law Fidel Peña, her sister in law Eva Peña Hughes, and her brother in law Hector Pérez, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be private.