It is with bittersweet hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Ruth Baker Ferguson on July 5, 2024. While we grieve deeply from our physical loss, we also give thanks and rejoice in knowing that she has been given the ultimate victory over the illness she valiantly fought for the past 18 months with absolute courage and grace. Her love for God, belief in Jesus Christ, and the strength of her unshakable faith will continue to be an inspiration and precious legacy for us all.
Linda was born in Nashville, TN, on October 21, 1944, to the late Abby Roy Baker and Elizabeth Ballard Baker.
She was also preceded in death by her junior high school sweetheart, soulmate, and beloved husband of 59 years, Paul King Ferguson, who passed on March 3, 2023.
Linda is survived by her son, Randy Ferguson; brother, Jerry Baker; sister-in-law, Judy Glass; brother-in-law, Rev. Neal Glass; niece, Anita Beth Baker; and nephew, Jonathan Glass. Linda was a beautiful lady who did so much for so many to make this world a better and more beautiful place. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. Although age, health, and distance separated Linda from many of her friends and church family, please know that you were constantly on her mind, in her thoughts, and in her prayers. She wanted each of you to know that she loved you.
Linda graduated with honors from Antioch High School in 1962. After winning the “National Life Award” her senior year, she embarked on her career with the National Life and Accident Insurance Company in 1962 as a secretary. During her tenure with National Life, NLT Corporation, and AIG-AGLA, she held positions in departments responsible for corporate financial planning and reporting. She retired from AGLA as a Financial Analyst in October 2006, after 44 years of service.
An accomplished and gifted musician, Linda began piano lessons as soon as she was “old enough to sit on the piano bench without falling off.” She played 1st Chair trumpet for all five years that she was a member of the AHS Marching Bears and served as the band’s music librarian. In addition to being an award-winning trumpet player in her own right, she was also the piano accompanist for many fellow student musicians for their MTSBOA judged concert performances and auditions. In 1962, Linda answered the call to serve as the Accompanist and Organist at Antioch United Methodist Church.
Alongside her late husband Paul, who served as the Choir Director, they collectively led the AUMC Music Ministry for decades, creating many happy memories with their “Choir Family.” They considered it a true honor and privilege to serve God and their church with such a fine group of individuals and talented musicians. During her time as an active organist, she also played for many weddings, funerals, and other special occasions throughout Middle Tennessee.
Linda was naturally talented, a true “Renaissance Woman” who excelled at everything she did. She possessed amazing intelligence along with remarkable drive and ambition. More importantly, she was blessed with a lifelong servant’s heart combined with a humble and gentle spirit. Always willing to help others, she gave freely of her time and talents with a cheerful disposition and a smile on her face. Linda was a person of impeccable character and integrity whose wisdom and intuitive insight led many to seek her counsel, knowing it was given in confidence and without judgment.
Linda’s passion for music extended into the home, where she enjoyed playing her piano and watching numerous concerts and performances on TV and online. She enjoyed gardening, reading, knitting, coloring, and keeping her mind sharp with a variety of computer games. We spent many fun summers boating, fishing, and swimming on Percy Priest Lake. Linda and Paul also loved traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains, their place of comfort for rest and relaxation. They took several trips annually to Gatlinburg, where they developed many long-lasting friendships with fellow vacationers and locals alike.
Linda was a very caring and compassionate confidante who was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend who was loved deeply and will be missed greatly by all those she leaves behind.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service for both Linda and Paul will be conducted by Rev. James Cole on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Antioch United Methodist Church, 41 Tusculum Road, Antioch, TN 37013. There will be an informal reception with friends and family at the church following the service. https://www.woodbinefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Antioch United Methodist Church, 41 Tusculum Road, Antioch, TN 37013.
S. D. G. – Soli Deo gloria – To God alone be the Glory
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