Mrs. Linda Jo Gilland

Linda Jo Gilland, 83, of Peach Orchard, Arkansas, passed away on May 11, 2026, at Walnut Ridge Nursing and Rehab. She was born on February 15, 1943, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to the late Raymond and Laminda Cordell. Linda’s life was rooted in family, hard work, and the outdoors from the very beginning. As a young woman, she was not afraid to get muddy, work hard, or enjoy the riverbank. It was there, while she was covered in mud and picking up crawdads, that she caught the eye of a young man named James Fairl Gilland. For Jim, it was love at first sight. Linda married her best friend in May of 1959, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, and determination. They shared nearly 59 years of marriage before Jim’s passing in 2018. Linda loved and adored Jim, and the life they built together became the foundation of the family she treasured so deeply. Linda was truly one of a kind. Some might say she was “meaner than a snake,” but anyone who knew her understood that raising three boys required strength, firmness, and a whole lot of love. She loved her boys unconditionally and taught them how to hunt, fish, work hard, and survive. She made sure they knew how to take care of themselves, provide for their families, and stand on their own. Between the lessons they learned from their mama and the skills they learned from their daddy, all three boys became strong, capable, successful men. There is truly nothing these men cannot do. Linda herself loved to cook and can, and she was known for keeping a spotless home. Her house was clean before most people were out of bed — and if you were still in bed, she was probably making it up behind you. She also loved flowers and took great pride in her yard, which was always manicured. Whether she was cooking, canning, working in the yard, or taking care of her family, Linda was always busy doing something and doing it well. Linda loved the outdoors, the river, and the simple beauty of nature. She enjoyed watching the sunrise and sunset and could often be seen riding around on her golf cart, taking in the scenery. She served as the mayor of Peach Orchard for several years and was a true leader among her family, friends, and community. She had a deep love for animals and, over the years, seemed to have had just about everything except a monkey. She loved birds and lizards and even had a coatimundi that was so protective of her it would try to bite anyone who came too close. She also had an iguana she would take with her on a leash, and when she went into the store, it would climb up on the dashboard of the vehicle and sun itself until she returned. There are countless animal stories tied to Linda, each one as unforgettable as she was. Linda was an amazing woman who loved deeply and without condition. She was always ready to teach, help, feed, or take care of someone. No one left her house hungry — and if they did, it was their own fault. Her table was always full of homemade food, and she was known as a wonderful cook. She loved the holidays, cherished her family, and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She wanted to teach them the same things she taught their fathers and share with them the life skills, traditions, and love that meant so much to her. Life without Linda will surely be a lot quieter. Her laughter could fill a room, her voice was bold and stern, and her love for her family was fierce. She protected those she loved, spoke her mind, worked hard, and brought life and laughter everywhere she went. She was something else — and anyone who spent time with her would never forget her. Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Fairl Gilland; her parents, Raymond and Laminda (McCuiston) Cordell; one brother, David Cordell; and one sister, Carolyn Arnold. She is survived by her three children, Terry Gilland and his wife, Lisa, of O’Kean, Arkansas, Mark Gilland and his wife, Angela, of Williford, Arkansas, and Rodney Gilland and his wife, Violet, of Peach Orchard, Arkansas; and three siblings, Margaret Cordell of Cabot, Arkansas, Richard Cordell of Ringgold, Louisiana, and Janice Brewster of Sherwood, Arkansas. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Bradon Gilland and his wife, Kala, of Paragould, Arkansas, Bree Alfred and her husband, Max, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Shannon Lawrence and her husband, Matt, of Southaven, Mississippi, Riley Davis of Paragould, Arkansas, Blake Gilland of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Kitt Miller of Paragould, Arkansas, Ashley Newingham of Peach Orchard, Arkansas, Danny Crossen of Naylor, Missouri, Teshia Householder and her husband, Jeramy, of Lake City, Arkansas, and Steven Gilland and his wife, Sarah, of Lafe, Arkansas. Linda was also blessed with many great-grandchildren: Chett, Lonnie, Kopelynn, Maverick, Lylah, Kaden, Kendrix, Willow, Ava, Jabari, Sean, Millie, Holden, Colton, and Erica. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends. Linda made a lasting impression everywhere she went. She was the type of person who remembered you if she spent any time with you — and you would always remember her. Linda’s final request has been honored by her family with a private family Celebration of Life. Expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to the family. Tri-City LLC Crematory Funeral Home is honored and privileged to serve the Gilland family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Tri-CityLLC.com.

Mrs. Linda Jo Gilland

February 15, 1943 - May 11, 2026