Linda Schexnayder, 72, of Alabaster, AL, formerly of Baton Rouge, LA, died at her home on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Linda was born to Maurice and Louise Dossey in Lafayette, LA. Dr. and Mrs. Dossey were professors at the University of Southwest Louisiana (UL) and owners of the Heart D Farm ranch in Youngsville. Linda grew up riding her horse on the ranch, which is where her lifelong reverence for the land and her deep care and concern for the welfare of all animals began.
Linda attended Cathedral Carmel High School in Lafayette before progressing to UL, receiving a B.A. in Education, and a second degree in English. She was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She moved to Baton Rouge where she pursued a MBA at LSU. Most of Linda’s career was spent in human resources management, notably with Maison Blanche, as well as Louisiana Reference Lab and US Agencies in Baton Rouge, finally ending her career at SEPCO in Alabaster.
Linda was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, but her real loves were gardening, cooking, travel, and reading. She was passionate about native plants and creating a haven for birds and wildlife in backyard gardens. Linda achieved a Master Gardener designation from Hilltop Arboretum at LSU. Her home garden in Baton Rouge was featured on HGTV. When Linda moved to Alabama, she delighted in the opportunity to learn about a new world of native perennials and antique roses. Gardening friends are welcome to come by for cuttings/divisions.
Linda loved to cook and was known amongst her friends and family for creating gourmet fare, as well as her incredible recipe collection, which she loved to share. Linda adored travel with her friends and granddaughter, and was always planning the next adventure. Passion for travel flowed from her voracious appetite for reading. Linda read the local newspaper and the NY Times cover to cover daily, and generally went through 5-6 books a week. A life learner, she particularly enjoyed history and art, but spent many an hour with a good novel.
Linda is survived by her daughter, Claire Black (Kerry) and beloved granddaughter, Grace Owens (UVA) of Birmingham, AL; brother, John Dossey of Houston, TX; sisters-in-law, Mary Katherine Gauthier of Sunset, LA and Anne Hebert of Youngsville, LA; many dear friends, especially Jennifer Johnson and Linnie Keller of Baton Rouge, LA; and her “angel cat,” Tosh.
There is a private viewing at Southern Heritage for immediate family on March 12, 2023. A Celebration of Life party is planned in Baton Rouge at the home of Ms. Johnson on March 17, 2023 for close friends and family. Linda’s ashes will be buried in the cypress forest on the T.A. Schexnayder Farm near Opelousas, LA.
Linda was incredibly generous and supported numerous charities related to caring for animals, nature preservation, medical research, and veteran support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ASPCA, The Nature Conservancy, or St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital.
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