Mary Linda Heese, 64 of Waco, passed away suddenly Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Visitation: 6-8PM Thursday, March 27 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Service: 10AM Friday, March 28 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Linda was born in Waco, Texas on June 16, 1960. Linda, a graduate of Reicher Catholic High School in 1978, was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her cherished daughter Jamie was born on May 10, 1994, and she embraced the role of “Mimi” with boundless pride and joy.
In 1983, Linda earned her degree from Stephen F. Austin University, igniting a lifelong passion for education. She dedicated 32 years to Waco and Gholson Independent School Districts as an educator, leaving a lasting impact on countless students. Linda’s commitment to her community extended beyond the classroom; she was actively involved in the Gholson ISD PTO, the Gholson FFA Alumni Association, and the Gholson Volunteer Fire Department. A beloved member of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church choir for many years, she also took on the role of “Queen of the Gholson Concession Stand,” known for serving up the famous “Heese burger”. Additionally, she coordinated the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Harvest Festival, led the JAM program at Mart Methodist Church, and participated in the Sweetwater Girl Scouts, holding annual reunions at Camp Kachina.
Above all, Linda’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her daughter and grandchildren. She relished camping trips, cooking hearty meals for those in need, and shopping adventures with Jamie and her dear friend Pam at the Canton Flea Market. Traveling with her husband Martin brought her immense happiness, as did trips to the zoo with her grandkids and family outings to Jellystone Park.
Linda was a vivacious spirit, full of love, selflessness, and generosity. She touched the lives of many and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willis L. McMahan and Elizabeth (Hensley) McMahan; and her nephew, John Cody McMahan.
She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Martin Heese; daughter, Jamie Karl (Dylan); grandchildren, Rhyder Karl, Adalynn Karl and Emersyn Karl; brother Hank McMahan; nephews, Dillon McMahan (Dustin Cole); niece, Kaylee McMahan; brother-in-law, Kenneth Heese (Donna); niece, Helen Heese; nephew, Robert Heese; bonus son, Joey Foote (Kelly) and their children, Camden, Konner and Kolton; and special friend, Pam Standerfer.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to A.M.R. Supervisor, Matt Linda and his team for the care and support they offered in this trying time.
Memorial Contributions can be made in Linda’s honor to First Methodist Church of Mart (J.A.M.).
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Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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Linda was truly an angel on earth. She was one of if not the most kindest person I had the privilege to call friend. My heart hurts for all whom loved her, as her passing leaves a huge void. Prayers to her family. May God be with you all.
Linda was a great lady she loved her family and friends. She would help with many fundraisers and always there if you needed help. Are deepest sympathy for her family.
So very sorry for your loss, Linda was a tremendous blessing to many. She was always willing to help others and always had a smile. Love and prayers to you Jamie and the whole family.
Linda was a sweet person inside and out. She always went out of her way to speak to you. She loved talking about Jamie and her grandchildren. Even when she was cooking her famous burgers at sporting events or fundraisers she always had a smile. We will surely miss her.
Hank so sorry for you and your family.🙏
Linda was such a great person and friend. I loved our conversations when I was at Gholson. She was always encouraging. She truly loved being an educator and being involved in her students’ lives. Heaven has a new angel. She will be missed.
Our prayers and hugs are with you all! FromThe Ginger Jaynes girls Cindy, Lynne, Libby
One of my favorites while attending Gholson ISD. I loved getting to go down to her classroom and sit with her! She was such a sweet and dear person! It is absolutely heartbreaking to say the least.. praying for her family and friends during this time..
Many thoughts and prayers to you, Jamie, and your family. May God comfort you all in this time of need. But the Lord stood with me and gave me Strength. 2 Timothy 4:17
Going to miss Linda’s smile. She was always involved with fundraisers and cooking her famous burgers. She always loved talking about Jamie and grandkids. She was taken too early. Will truly be missed.
So much love given/shared with all whose lives she touched…a true disciple of Christ. She will be missed.
Hank and family, I’m so very sorry for your deep loss.
— Terry Lokken Moses
Martin, We were so saddened to hear of Linda’s passing. We know what an unbreakable bond the two of you had, and we can’t even begin to understand how difficult this must be for you. Ours hearts goes out to you. Linda’s legacy of love and kindness will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you find your way through this difficult journey.
I am so sorry for your loss. Loss of a parent is so hard. I feel your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
Linda was my babysitter when I was a child. She would always play the game of “got your nose.” She’d take my nose, I would cry. She’d give it back, I was happy. Repeat. Thank you Linda for always giving my nose back.
I really enjoyed getting to know Linda through emmaus!She was a wonderful Christian lady,and will be greatly missed. Rest in the arms of JESUS!
Linda will be missed, didn’t know her well, but I met her through Emmaus. I will miss seeing her as a part of our fellowship together. God bless and prayer’s to her family!
Prayers to the family
So sorry for the loss of this special person in your lives. May you find peace and comfort in your memories!!
Linda was my Assistant Camp Director at Camp Boothe Oaks in Sweetwater, Texas. We developed a friendship that would last a lifetime. She was the kindest of souls and extended a listening ear at all times. Her loving heart will always be remembered. “Mac” , as we all knew her, loved camp life and teaching young campers new skills. She was gifted with God’s grace and always extended it to others. She was our calm in the storms of life and created a balance that was needed in times of stress and struggle. I will always wish for one more conversation. Save me a place by the campfire, my friend. Love you, Dusty – Pam Caudill Williams.