Linda Abel Obituary

Linda Sue Clark Abel

December 7, 1947 -

March 19, 2026

JOHNSON CITY - Linda Clark Abel, of Johnson City left this world on March 19, 2026, singing of the goodness of God and now rests in the presence of His glory. A devoted Wife, Mother, Mamaw, and faithful servant of the Lord, she went home to be with Jesus, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion that will live on in all who knew her. Born on December 7, 1947, Linda was a graduate of Hampton High School and East Tennessee State University. She embodied the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31-selfless, loving, gentle, and unwavering. She loved deeply and gave freely, always placing others before herself.

Linda was a retired insurance agent with American General Life Insurance, but her most treasured roles were those of Wife, Mom, Mamaw, Daughter, Sister, and Friend. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where family and friends gathered to enjoy her cooking and the love she poured into every moment. She faithfully used her God-given gift of music as a church pianist for many years. A devoted member of Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church, she lovingly taught the Primary Sunday School class for over 15 years, shaping young hearts for Christ. She also cherished the church family at Rich Acres Free Will Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Byrl and Kansas Clark, and her brother, Jeff Clark; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Gilbert and Grace Abel; her brother-in-law, Terry Abel; her aunts, Ida Lee Kelly and Tommie Sue Garland: her uncles, Chuck Kelly, Bobby Garland, and Robert Clark; a precious Grandbaby Scalf, whom she is now cradling in Heaven.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband of 58 years, Larry Abel, Sr.; her children, Larry Abel, Jr. and wife, Kim; Dea Abel Johnson, and Joy Abel; her grandbabies, Kelsey Johnson, Keaton Smithdeal, and husband, Joseph Smithdeal; her brother, Byrl Clark, Jr.; her sister-in-law, Judy Broyles; wife of Byrl, Carolyn Clark; bonus grandchildren, Maura Trice (Tim), Eddie, and Gabby; her nieces and nephews: Lisa Jubenville (Doug), Hannah Abel, Bekah Holt (Greg), Chris, Amanda and Jessica Clark, and great nieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her furry grandbabies, Stokely, Ellie Mae, and Cooper.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, followed by the service at 6:00 PM. The service will be conducted by Pastor Randy Johnson and Pastor Mark Potter, with music by the Valley Forge Praise Choir, Rob Montgomery, and the Dugger Family.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Roselawn Cemetery, conducted by Pastor Kenneth Grindstaff and Pastor Randy Johnson. Pallbearers will be Joseph Smithdeal, Greg Holt, Doug Jubenville, David McDonnell, Earl Hughes, and Tim Timbs. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Henard, Johnny McDonnell, Leslie McKinney, Leslie Thornburg, Richard Kelly, Kevin Kelly, Tony Jones, Pastor Brett Jones, and members of Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church and Rich Acres Free Will Baptist Church. For those attending the graveside service you are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 AM.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to those who provided love, care, and support during her illness, especially Carol Jones; Tennessee Cancer Specialists (Abbie and Dr. Patel); Amedisys Hospice; Lisa Baker Photography; and Wildwood Flower Company (Nikki Stout).

Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Abel family. 423-928-2245