Linda Gayle Wood

Linda Gayle Sanders Wood, 71, of Newnan passed away peacefully on July 1 after a rapid acceleration of a 3 year illness. Linda is survived by her daughter D'Ree Harris of Newnan, sister Donna Gautier of Milledgeville, grandchildren Claire and John Mark LaSalle and their father Chris LaSalle of Marietta, niece Marie Hodgman-Schoeneberg and family of Decatur and nephew Marshall Hodgman and family of Milledgeville, and best friend of 50 years, Lynda Saunders of Warner Robins. A native of Macon and known to her family and friends as Linda Gayle or simply Gayle, she was predeceased by her daughter, Dr. Margaret “Margie” LaSalle, her partner Wendy Chance, and her parents, Leo D. and Marie Brown Sanders. Linda graduated from McEvoy High School in Macon before moving to Atlanta. In addition to Atlanta, Linda also lived in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, West Virginia and Ohio before returning to Georgia in the fall of 2016. She always enjoyed making a home in each new city and her mantra was, “I always leave a home better than how I found it”. She accomplished that with her talents of decorating, gardening, and creating a home that was a warm and welcoming place for the family and friends she so cherished. Linda was also a talented woodworker like her father. Linda Gayle was raised in the church in a musical family regularly playing the piano and singing gospel hymns with her dad and sister. She reconnected with the church when she moved to Newnan and was embraced by Newnan Presbyterian Church singing in the choir and playing in the bell choir. Linda had a varied work life and continued to grow and evolve even after retirement when she obtained her college degree at age 63. She was successful in the corporate world but her greatest satisfaction was working the floor at Home Depot helping people with ideas to plan and complete their dream home projects. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Newnan Presbyterian Church, 38 Greenville St., Newnan, the Rev. Susan Haynes officiating. A reception for family and friends will be provided at the church following the service. Interment of cremains will follow at a later date in the family plot at Macon Memorial Park. McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory of Newnan is handling local arrangements. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Newnan Presbyterian Church or a local animal shelter of your choice. Those who wish may send condolences to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Linda Gayle Wood

February 21, 1946 - July 1, 2017