Linda Goodwin's Obituary
Linda was born on November 29, 1950 to parents, Robert Dale Oxford and Flora Mae (Hardman) Oxford. Linda resided in Tulsa, Oklahoma the whole of her life. Linda died August 12, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She leaves behind a surviving brother, Arthur D. Oxford, currently residing in Ponca City, Oklahoma, a daughter, Melissa M. (Gay) Wright, a son, James M. Goodwin, also two grandchildren, Amanda M. Wright and Christopher L. Wright all residing in Tulsa, Oklahoma and two nieces, Ashley Oxford and Lacsey (Oxford) Anderson.Linda was a graduate of Daniel Webster High School in 1969, then attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma. Along with her parents, Linda attended First Baptist Church in downtown Tulsa almost her whole life. Linda was twice married, firstly to John W. Gay and secondly to John A. Goodwin.Ballet and Camp Fires were some of the activities Linda participated in during her adolescent school years. Linda was active in musicals in high school which carried into her college years. In college, she was a twirler in the marching band. Around this time, Linda competed in the 1971 Miss Grand Lake Pageant. She was awarded a trophy during the talent contest portion of the pageant for her ballet performance. Throughout Linda’s life her parents were involved in the Tulsa Rockhound Society which influenced her love for archaeology at an early age. As an adult, she worked as an executive administration assistant most of her life, while keeping the love of history and archaeology alive. Linda’s hobbies included music, theater, musicals, ballet, antiques, gardening, attending field trips with the Tulsa Rockhound Society, studying history and watching documentaries related to archaeology. Later in life, Linda ventured into the study of near-death experiences, the afterlife, the paranormal and even the possible existence of aliens. Nothing was outside the realm of possibility for Linda. She stayed true to her childlike curiosity about the universe, nature and the earth we call home.Linda enjoyed volunteering at her daughter Melissa’s schools over the years. The Webster Band students, which Melissa was a part of, called her “Mom” since she loved looking after everyone. Linda often called Melissa by her nickname “Lissy”, which the other students adopted as “Lissa” much to Melissa’s chagrin.Linda loved music. Her children recall wonderful memories of days at home filled with everyone singing and dancing to great bands such as The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Elvis, the Bee Gees, John Denver and The Mamas & the Papas. Linda’s children carry on the tradition of singing and dancing, bringing joy and happiness into their homes as well.If one were to remember Linda, think of her sitting on her front porch swing on a cool summer’s day with a cup of iced tea surrounded by nature, her children, her beloved dogs and cats with an oldie’s song playing in the background.A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 9AM, Saturday, Sept 7, 2019 at Tulsa Botanic Garden. Please join Linda’s Family for a light breakfast, music, photos and a lovely walk in the garden.
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