Linda Churchwell Shults, age 67, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026. She was born on January 31, 1959, to the late David Douglas Churchwell and Leona Maye Kilpatrick Churchwell.
Linda was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved. In return, she was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her kindness was genuine and effortless. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or simply be there for someone in need. She gave freely of her time, her energy, and most importantly, her heart.
She loved to talk and connect with people. Conversations with Linda could brighten even the hardest day. Her joy was contagious, and her presence made life warmer and lighter for so many.
One of the things she treasured most was sitting and reminiscing about family history. She took great pride in making sure her family knew where they came from and who came before them. Linda understood the importance of family roots, and she carried those stories with love and honor. Through her memories and conversations, she kept generations connected and ensured that family traditions and history would never be forgotten.
Another passion she greatly enjoyed was attending auctions. She loved the excitement of finding a bargain and rarely thought only of herself. If she found something useful, beautiful, or special, she was usually thinking about who else it could help or make happy. Giving to others brought her genuine joy.
Linda was also known for the love she poured into cooking and caring for others. Her canned vegetables were unforgettable, especially her okra. Those simple acts of love from her kitchen became treasured memories for family and friends alike. She had a special gift for turning ordinary moments into meaningful memories.
Though she never had children of her own, she loved her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews as if they were her own children. Her love for them was deep, constant, and unconditional. She celebrated their joys, prayed over their struggles, and cherished every moment spent with them. Family meant everything to her.
More than anything, Linda had one of the sweetest, biggest, joy-filled hearts imaginable. She was always ready for an adventure, always willing to make memories, and always eager to enjoy life alongside the people she loved. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and love wherever she went, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Freddy D. Shults.
She is survived by her brother, David Lynn Churchwell of Elberta, AL; two nieces, Karen Churchwell of Hohenwald, TN and Kristy Churchwell Wright of Ethridge, TN; two nephews, David Kyle Churchwell of Waynesboro, TN and Dylan B. Churchwell of Elberta, AL; five great-nephews, Austin and Adison Szostek of Hohenwald, TN, Kobe Churchwell and CJ Wright of Ethridge, TN, and Kai Churchwell of Waynesboro, TN; and four great-nieces, Akira Anthony of Lawrenceburg, TN, Kinzley Churchwell of Waynesboro, TN, Kavry Wright of Ethridge, TN, and Allison Szostek of Hohenwald, TN.
Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at McDonald Funeral Home. Funeral services will immediately follow, beginning at 2:00 PM, with burial to follow in the Springer Church Cemetery.
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This obituary was published by McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. – Lewis County.
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