Mrs. Linda Joyce Allen Heady, age 72 of Sparta, passed away on Mother's Day, May 11, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Linda was born March 21, 1953 in Jackson County, Tennessee to the late William and Lillian Bean Allen. She was a longtime Special Education Teacher's Aid at West Sparta Elementary School. She was an incredibly talented artist with paintings featured on buildings and in churches all over the Upper Cumberland. In addition, she was an avid gardener and quilter. Linda loved her Lord and was a proud member of Gentry's Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. She will always be remembered as a devoted caregiver, and for her selfless dedication to helping others. Above all else,  she was a beloved Mema to her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her son Gary Lee Heady, II, who died March 20, 2021; brothers Stanley Allen and Mike Allen.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years Gary Heady

Daughter: Misty Heady Stegall and husband Ron

Grandchildren: Linda Mae (Caleb) White, Ronnie Allen Stegall, II, Lillian Marie Stegall, Jacob Lee Stegall, Lisa Mystyk Stegall and Rick Stegall

Brothers: Billy (Annette) Allen and William "Rooster" (Joyce) Bean

Sisters: Dean (Jackie) McBride, Anita (Jerry) Brown,  and Lisa (Barry) Crum

Sister-in-law: Sharon (Ralph) Jolly

Special thanks to Jody Mullins

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00pm Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Elrod Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-8:00pm Tuesday at Hunter Funeral Home. Bro. Leo Bilbrey will officiate. Arnold Bean, Jason Allen, Stanley Allen Jr., Eric Madden, Caleb White, and Jacob Lee Stegall will serve the family as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Ray Brown and Ronnie Allen Stegall, II.