Linda F. Morris (Neal) passed peacefully on December 19 in her home in Mill Neck, NY with her Maltese “Sugar” in her arms and her daughter Grace by her side.
Linda was born in Springfield, Ohio May 5, 1942 to the late Doris Pearl Holt (dec.1984) and George Pierce Morris, Jr (dec.2015), and predeceased by her brother George Morris III (dec.1967) and sister Anne Harris (dec.2023). Linda had five children with husband John Raymond Neal, Sr (dec.2018): John, Jr (dec.1980), Clayton, Sr (dec.2023)(Tina), Brett (Jennifer) and Tyrone Neal, and daughter Grace Anne Morris. Linda is also survived by her granddaughter Ashley Anne Marie Neal and great granddaughter Rosemarie, grandsons John R. Neal II (dec.2020) and Clayton Morris Neal, Jr, and nephews Mark (Sarah), Father John (Ginny), David (Robin), and grandnephews Silas (dec.2014), Noah, Julian and William.
Linda, otherwise known as Mother of Us All, Inc., woke up every morning before the sun thought of showing its face. She is best remembered as a cheerleader to everyone mailing handwritten letters with a “Food for Thought” message of understanding and joy for every holiday or milestone. Her organizational skills were awesome to behold. She often spoke of the power of the list. She was an artist and sculptor. She was loved by all.
Her career ranged from a top professional fashion model in Nashville to the co-founder of JRN, Inc., a franchise of KFC restaurants including the original Sanders Court & Café where Colonel Sanders invented the Secret Recipe, and Neal Auction Company, a premier New Orleans auction house specializing in 19th Century art and antiques. She led a team of specialists researching and restoring Clifton Place throughout her lifetime. She volunteered her time and energy to many charities and museums.
Linda loved all creatures great and small, especially horses and dogs. She was a Pony Club official, the only one in the family who could tie a stock tie, owned the two-time timber horse of America “Prince Saran” and supported her daughter’s many Grand Prix Dressage horses.
She loved Snoopy and his wisdom such as “Keep looking up…that’s the secret of life…” Her favorite song was “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven, and her favorite performer was Mikhail Baryshnikov. She dressed in black with a splash of color. She loved sunflowers because they follow the light. Her thick black hair was as long as she was tall. Faith, family, country, in that order.
Visitation will be held in Columbia at Oakes & Nichols (320 West 7th Street) on Thursday, January 2 from 5-7pm with funeral service at First Presbyterian Church (801 South High Street)(livestream) on Friday, January 3 from 2-3pm followed by interment at St. John’s Episcopal Church Ashwood.
Pallbearers: David Riley, Julian Mays, Sean Doyle, Mike Perrin, Charles Bittick, Park Mays
Honorary Pallbearers: Hollis Moore, Bubba Edwards, Willie Palmer, Robert Lehmkuhl, Paul Cross, Dr. Jack R. May, Wally Hebert, Neal Alford
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Linda can be made to the KFC Foundation www.kfcfoundation.org, Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee www.elephants.com, or Pacific Pug Rescue www.pacificpugrescue.org.
