08/24/2026
Linda J. Swinney
Linda Swinney, a deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and trusted friend to many, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026. Born Linda Jeanette Jenkins on May 9, 1941, in Palestine to Ozment Milton Jenkins and Willie Mae Mitchell Jenkins, she graduated from Palestine High School in 1959. Marrying her high school sweetheart, Ben Leo Swinney, in the same year, Linda and Ben attended Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville.
After a few years in Lafayette, Louisiana, where Ben worked for Tenneco Oil and Linda was a teacher at a private school, the couple settled in their hometown, where Ben continued his career in Oil and Gas while helping Linda raise a family. Being a mother and eventual grandmother were roles that she executed with a unique and effective style that was mindful of order and stability while still encouraging unbridled creativity and discovery. She possessed a refined approach to complex subjects and could write eloquently on almost any matter.
Linda loved to be busy working on her own tasks or helping others, and she had many interests that included reading, travel, opera, gardening, rummy royal, and bridge – where she was an expert. She was a trove of information, facts, and knowledge of literature and history, and those who had a chance to watch Jeopardy with her discovered that immediately. Linda was very active in Palestine as a member of Harvey Woman’s Club, as a volunteer at Howard House Museum, and in her involvement with her church and Methodist Mission Weekends.
One of Linda’s favorite activities was hosting and co-hosting events for family and friends – at home, homes of friends, or at the house she and Ben built overlooking the lake at their Twin Oaks Ranch in southern Anderson County. From themed events for friends to large gatherings with family, Twin Oaks provided Linda with the welcome challenge of managing upkeep while offering a wonderful venue at a scenic retreat. Easter gatherings were always special because the day ended with rounds of “Easter Egg Baseball,” where Linda watched with delight as young ones armed with a large plastic bat blasted the morning’s found eggs into the lake – and on the pitcher that inevitably caught some stray yolk.
She was preceded in death by her parents O.M. and Willie Mae as well as by Ben, her husband of 52 years who benefitted from Linda’s tender care during his long illness, and by her sister-in-law Sharon Jenkins. She is survived by a daughter, Claire Swinney Moseley and her husband Rob and their three children: Elyse Seibert and husband Jack, Truett Moseley, and Juliana Moseley; and a son, John Michael Swinney and his wife Kathy and their two children: Ben Swinney and Maggie Swinney. Linda also reached great-grandmother status with the arrival of Ben Leo Seibert and, later, Thomas Holland Seibert. She is also survived by her brother Phil Jenkins, her brother Steve Jenkins and wife Sandy, and her sister Kay Callender and husband Doyle. Additionally, she is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Monday August 31st at First Methodist Church of Palestine beginning with a 1:30 p.m. visitation in the sanctuary. Rev. Geoff Lightsey will officiate a 2:00 p.m. memorial service and the graveside service that will follow at Roselawn Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster.
Pallbearers will be Phil Jenkins, Steve Jenkins, Doyle Callender, Rob Moseley, Truett Moseley, and Ben Swinney.
If desired, memorials to her life may be made to First Methodist Church - Building Fund at 422 South Magnolia, Palestine, Texas 75801.
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