Linda Gillum Stafford

Linda Gillum Stafford departed this earthly world for her heavenly reward on July 18, 2025 after a tragic farming accident. Linda, age 79, was born on May 25, 1946, on Ison Creek in Elliott County, a daughter of John David Gillum and Delphia Rucker Gillum. Linda attended Newfoundland Community Church and was a devout Christian. She loved attending Church every Sunday and Thursday night prayer meeting. Since the passing of her husband, Paul, Linda’s special friend, Margie Hawes, was her constant church pew companion and luncheon partner at McDonald’s. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49½ years, Paul Stafford. Linda is survived by two daughters, Paula Stafford of Wellington, Kentucky, and Patricia (Jeff) Chandler of Middletown, Ohio. She leaves behind two adored granddaughters: McKalya Chandler of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and McKenzie Chandler of Sandy Hook, Kentucky. Additionally, brothers David (Sandi) Gillum of Middletown, Ohio; Allen (Carolyn) Gillum of Burke, Kentucky; Ernie Gillum of Olive Hill, Kentucky, and one sister, Angelene Addington of Grayson, Kentucky. Linda leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who sadly mourn her passing. Linda married the love of her life at the tender age of 17. They worked hard to make a living farming and raising their two daughters. After both girls were born, Linda enrolled at Morehead State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She later completed her Master’s degree and additional post-graduate work. Linda began and ended her teaching career at Lakeside Elementary, a couple of minutes from her home. She was a dedicated and conscientious teacher. Linda kept a roster of every student she taught and would frequently pull it out to reminisce about days gone by. In addition to her full-time teaching job, she continued to work with Paul side-by-side on the farm. It was a common sight to see her on the tractor raking hay while Paul came behind baling it. She continued their cattle operation after Paul died and loved telling everyone about how many “babies” (calves) she had at any given time. Our mom, “granny,” absolutely adored her two granddaughters. The girls spent weeks with Granny and Papaw every summer. They learned the value of hard work and the importance of family from two very important people, Granny and Papaw. Mom treasured her monthly luncheons with “The Lakeside Group.” The friendships she formed with her colleagues remained strong throughout her retirement. Linda’s daughters, granddaughters, and son-in-law have so many precious and wonderful memories of Granny. Her death leaves a void in our hearts that can never be filled, but we know our loss is Heaven’s gain. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in the Chapel of the Whitt and Sons Funeral Home with Brothers Shannon Maggard and Franklin Gillum officiating. Burial will follow in the Paul E. Stafford Family Cemetery on Stafford Branch. Friends may visit from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, and after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday until the service hour. Jeffery Chandler, David Gillum, Brian Gillum, Matthew Fannin, Ryan Fannin, and Theodore Wagoner will serve as pallbearers. The Brothers and Sisters of Newfoundland Community Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. A special thanks to Cathy Boggs, Joan Anderson, and Jason Gillum for lending their beautiful voices to the services.

Linda Gillum Stafford

May 25, 1946 - July 18, 2025