Linda Dorothy Brewer Marshall, 93, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. Linda was born on December 11, 1925 to Frederick and Elsie Brewer in Chelmsford, England.
In 1942, Linda met and married her husband of 73 years, Earl McKinley Marshall. After WWII ended, she became the first Chelmsford war bride to set sail for the United States and arrived with their daughter, Heather, on board the S.S. Washington on March 2, 1946. They joined her husband in Virginia before moving to Elizabethton, Tenn.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents and husband; brothers, Les, Stan and Derek Brewer; sisters, Win Stroud and Joyce Cordery; sons-in-law, Douglas Norris and Walter Ferguson; and great-grandson, Jeremy Price.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her siblings, Bernard Brewer (Mary) of Ireland and Terry Brewer (Diane) of England; her daughters, Heather Blankenbeckler (Charlie), Susan Ferguson and Sheila Hale (Lowell); and grandchildren, Andrea Cantrell, Serina Price (Steve), Brian Norris (Heather), Dena Jordan (Michael), Matthew Ferguson, Mark Hale and Adam Ferguson (Elizabeth). Linda leaves a legacy of six great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and 17 nieces and nephews.
Linda enjoyed working at King’s Department Store and Goody’s until retiring at the age of 80. When the Transatlantic Brides and Parent Association (TBPA) formed, she became an active member with other War Brides and formed lasting friendships.
Linda was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother and was happiest when surrounded by family and recounting stories of her early years in England. She enjoyed sewing and took great pride in gardening and keeping her home tidy. She fancied a good cup of tea, chocolates and toffees and a long chat with family, friends and caregivers. She lived with purpose, bestowed wisdom on all who would listen and had a clever sense of humor. Her fierce independence and thoughtfulness of others made her beautiful beyond measure. Words cannot describe the loss her family feels as they mourn their Queen.
Linda and her family are forever grateful to the special caregivers from Amedisys, home help from Tennessee Community Services Agency, Meals on Wheels, and her neighbors for the care and love that helped her live independently.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by a memorial service officiated by Rev. Wayne Mottern on Saturday, September 7, at Memorial Funeral Chapel of Elizabethton (423-543-3839). A committal service for Linda and Earl, with full Military Honors for Earl Marshall, will be Monday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m. at the “New Section,” Mountain Home National Cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 11:20 a.m. Monday. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Marshall family.