Jennings- Funeral services for Ms. Linda Winegeart Carter, 69, of Jennings, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Jennings with Pastor Eric Sonnier officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

Visitation for Ms. Linda will begin Saturday, Jan. 6, at the First Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m. and continue until the 1 p.m. service time.

Linda Ann Gentry was born to Russell Fredrick and Lois Jean Fritts Gentry in Johnson City, Tenn., on March 31, 1954.  She was the second of four children, raised in the mountains of her birth.  God called her home to his Kingdom in Heaven on Dec. 31, 2023.

After graduating from Johnson County High School in 1972, Linda was adopted into the home and family of Johnnie and Ruby Winegeart from Lake Charles, La.  There, she attended McNeese State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985.  Linda taught first grade at James Ward Elementary in Jennings, La. for over two decades before taking a sabbatical to further her education.  In 2005, she earned a Master of Education from Louisiana Tech University, specializing in early childhood education of the visually impaired.  She taught braille and reading in Acadia and Beauregard parishes until she retired from the Louisiana school system at the age of sixty.

Linda gave of herself to anyone in need, no one was a stranger to her.  She loved everyone she met, greeting new friends with a hug and an infectious smile.  She was fond of reminding people of her name, “Linda Carter-the same as Wonder Woman”.  She was a member at First Baptist Church of Jennings for many years where she served in various ministries including the Children’s Choir, Vacation Bible School and Youth drama activities. Linda loved to sing, not only in the adult choir but could be heard humming throughout her home and even when shopping.  Linda loved Jesus, and it was important to her that she exemplify that love to others.  She loved wholly and unconditionally, judging no one.

Linda’s pride and joy were not only her two sons, but especially her five grandchildren.  She was a constant presence in their lives and would often play games, do puzzles, attend extracurricular activities, craft, and cook with them.  She simply loved being in their company and doted on them at every opportunity. They could not have asked for a better Nana Bear.

In addition to many friends, Linda will be missed deeply by her two sons, Joshua Carter, and Joseph (Katie) Carter.  She was a loving Nana and will be missed by her grandchildren, Rhett, Lydia Jo, George, Lottie, and Nathan Carter.  Others left to cherish her memory are siblings, Brenda (Aubrey) Isham, Lisa (Carl) Phillips, Rodney Winegeart, Keith Winegeart, as well as her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her biological parents, her adoptive parents, and two brothers, Bobby Gentry and Kemball Winegeart.