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Linda Sue Jones was a gospel singer, who sang with the Melody Trio for 12 years plus. She along with her husband, Raymond, and family friend Tim Hughes made up the group, which traveled near and far to sing and witness for the Lord. They not only sang in churches, but on stage at the Grand Ole Opry twice, at gospel singing conventions, and did a missionary trip to Jamaica.

Her son, Gerald, described his mother as a very loving person, who never met a stranger, and loved her worst enemy. “My mother had a very beautiful soul and she loved spreading the word of God through song and seeing people saved,” he shared.

Gerald said his mother’s favorite song was “So Much to Thank Him For.”

A resident of Roan Mountain, Jones and her family attended the Morgan Branch Free Will Baptist Church, however, she sang in numerous churches all over the area. She began singing when she was just a little girl and would visit the old Cordell Store in Roan Mountain. “The storekeeper would stand her up on the counter and let her sing,” said Gerald.

Jones didn’t always sing gospel music. Before gospel music became her go-to music, she sang both bluegrass and country music. “But when the Lord took over in her life, gospel music became her go-to music and the Lord gave her love for people and sharing the Gospel,” said Gerald.

In addition to her music, Jones enjoyed her family and holidays, especially Christmas. “She began talking about Christmas in July, and did shopping for her children and grandchildren early.”

Her daughter, Melissa Odom, shared that her mother and grandmother in the early ’70s worked at the Land of Oz on Beech Mountain. “They managed the Rainbow restaurant and often would take me and my brother to work with them. We got to walk around with Dorothy and the other characters from time to time. It was a fun time for all of us,” shared Melissa.

Her son shared the story of a time when Linda’s boss sent her to pick up some gold paint – at least 15 or 20 gallons. “The tailgate on the truck wasn’t fastened securely, and the paint spilled from the truck onto the roadway, making for another yellow brick road,” shared Gerald with a laugh.

“She was very family oriented and had so many friends. But, she kept God first in her life,” her children shared.

Melissa shared that her mother loved to cook and do dinners. “My grandparents raised a big garden and my grandmother canned everything. They would go to Elizabethton once a week for necessities, but otherwise, they ate food raised in their garden. And, they taught my mother to do the same. My mother was one of those who believed food brought people together. Both my grandmother and mother were wonderful cooks. My mother especially loved pickled corn that they made,” Melissa shared.

“My mother was one of a kind. I’m sure she did, but I can’t remember her having a bad day. She was happy all the time and always had a song on her heart. Like everyone else, she had sorrow in her life, but she never let it get her down,” said Melissa.

Both Gerald and Melissa shared that their mother enjoyed get-togethers with their singing friends. “They knew so many gospel groups, and she and my dad knew hundreds of gospel songs. Music became a big part of their lives, and they enjoyed sharing it with others. It was true of my mother that she always had a song on her heart,” said Melissa.

Linda had a severe case of diabetes and had spent the past several years at Hermitage Nursing Home, where she became a favorite of the staff. She had first become acquainted with Hermitage Nursing Home when her mother-in-law was a resident there. And, when she became sick and could no longer go to singings and go out with friends she chose to go to Hermitage because “she wanted to be with people.”

And, Melissa said it was not unusual when staff was missing from their floors, they could often be found in Linda’s room. “She entertained them,” her daughter shared.

Among those speaking at her funeral were Wayne Winchester, the Director of Nurses at Hermitage Nursing Home, and Tim Hughes, who sang for many years with Linda and her husband.

“My mother brought us up in church, but most of all she taught us to love the Lord,” said Melissa who had sung with her parents at one time. Her brother also played the drums when they sang.

“My brother and I count ourselves very fortunate to have the parents that we did. They were wonderful parents to us and grandparents to my children. They shared so much of their lives with us. My mother taught us love and to have joy. What a blessing she was to so many people,” said Melissa.

Linda Sue Jones was 76 years old when she passed from this life on July 31. Although she was laid to rest in the Perkins Cemetery in her native Roan Mountain, there is no doubt, she is strolling over heaven today with a song and praise in her heart.