Linda Fay Daniell Whitson, age 77, died on March 15, 2024, in Sun City, Arizona.
Linda was born on December 1, 1946, in Dallas, Texas to Louis Edward and Era Fay Lindsey Daniell. She remained in Dallas throughout her childhood and met her husband, Eddie “Penn” Whitson in September 1967, who she said had the prettiest smile she ever saw. Linda and Penn married on March 31, 1968, in Durant, Oklahoma, and together they have two daughters—Linda Kay Jones of Sun City, Arizona, and Macy Danielle Gilchrest of Pecos, Texas. Linda and Penn were married for nearly 55 years before Penn’s passing in October 2023.
Linda and Penn’s first 10 years of marriage were marked by frequent moves around Texas until 1981 when they relocated to Clayton, New Mexico, where Penn operated an auto parts store. Linda and Penn remained in Clayton until 2020 when they moved to Sun City, Arizona, to be closer to family.
Linda was well-known to her family and community as an excellent cook. For many years, she and Penn operated Lin and Penn’s BBQ, a small but very popular barbeque eatery in Clayton. She also was famous for her bread-and-butter jalapenos, sage dressing at Thanksgiving, and fried chicken. She made it look easy, but she was a very hard worker, waking at 4 am each day to prepare the food for the day’s lunch.
Linda was stubborn, very funny, and tough when she needed to be. Above all, she was devoted to her family and always said her children were the best thing she ever did in life. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, although sitting in granny’s lap was sometimes used as punishment when they got too rowdy inside the house. She was a friend, a confidant, a therapist, a cheerleader, a comedian—whatever was needed to support those she loved. She will be missed.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Penn Whitson, and her parents, Louis Edward and Era Fay Daniell. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Kay Jones (husband Barry) and Macy Danielle Gilchrest (husband Terry); 7 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Penn and Linda will be jointly remembered at a private memorial service for family at a future date.
