Funeral services for Linda Durbin, 70, of Purcell were held Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was at the Lexington Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mrs. Durbin passed away on December 18, 2023.
Linda Mae Simmons was the only child born to J.M. and Evelyn Simmons on March 28, 1953, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She attended school in Gardenia, California, and graduated in 1970.
Linda was saved in 1967 and lived for the Lord every day following her salvation. Linda had a thirst for knowledge and ever-growing faith as she continued her education after high school earning a Bachelor of Science in Theology from California Christian College, her E.T.T.A Teacher’s certificate, a Bachelor of Art in Biblical Studies from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, a Masters in New Testament Theology from Baptist Christian University and earned thirteen credits towards her Ph.D. in Theology from Pacific College.
Her love of learning extended beyond herself as she taught for several years in the Purcell and Lexington area, touching young minds and lives with the gifts God gave her in the classroom. Outside school, she ran an antique shop for several years and a label-maker business out of her home.
Multiple Sclerosis impacted Linda’s life, but she never allowed it to be in control. She became involved in MS organizations and used her experiences to guide others on the same path. She founded the S.H.A.R.E. support group and was active in the Oklahoma Chapter of the MS Society serving as a peer and support counselor, walk committee member, and volunteer client coordinator.
She was also involved in the I.O.O.F., Sooner AMBUCS, and founded ASK (AMBUCS Share4life Komputers). During her time in ASK Linda was responsible for the donation of over six thousand used and refurbished computers. She also was a strong advocate for making the world more accessible to those with disabilities.
Linda had a heart for others and poured herself into bettering the world around her through education and service. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother who will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents J.M Simmons Jr. and Evelyn B. McCaslin.
She is survived by her husband, Dale R. Durbin; her children, Cheryl Nicole Durbin, Michelle Elizabeth Hidrogo and husband, Logan, and Erin Grace Durbin. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Naomi, Mira, Emma, Lydia, Selah and Lanna Mae and a host of extended family and friends.
Online condolences may be made at wilsonlittle.com.
