Linda Joy Brown-Wilson

Linda Joy Brown-Wilson was born on April 9, 1952, to James and Eleise C. Brown of the South End Community of Little Rock, Arkansas and was the fifth child and second daughter. She took her wings and departed this world from the Baptist Medical Center. She fought a very courageous battle and never complained. Her parents preceded her in taking their wings. Her brother, Forest took his wings on Saturday, June 29, 2013. He returned on Saturday, September 7, 2013, for his baby sister to go with him and join their parents. Linda Joy became a member of the St. Mark Baptist Church in 1965, under the leadership of Rev. V.W. Nelson. She was an angel and was affectionately called "Jesus Sister" by many close relatives and extended family members. Linda began her career working for the Arkansas Department of Health in 1971. She completed more than (35) thirty-five years of service in health care for women, infants and children. In 2000, she began her second career with the Arkansas Department of Health in Breast Care and retired as Minority Health Coordinator. Linda worked with the State Health Educator to develop what became her signature event, Pink Carnation Sunday. This initiative worked with churches in minority communities to raise awareness about the value of securing a mammogram. The idea was simple: pledge to get a mammogram and receive a pink carnation for your commitment to better health for minority women. Linda received numerous awards for significant efforts with Breast Cancer and RACE FOR THE CURE. In 2010, Linda was recognized by the Arkansas Breast Cancer Control Advisory Board as a Josetta Wilkins Individual Award Winner for her work to increase the number of Black and Hispanic women, who received mammograms. She worked extremely hard and raised awareness throughout the State of Arkansas. Linda is survived by many family members and extended family members, who treasured her and her dedication to life itself: her son and daughter, LaShannia Houston-Fountain (Bobby) and Arthur Houston, Jr. (Demetrice); She is survived by two brothers, one sister, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Faith Temple, 1920 Broadway Street Little Rock, Ark. Family Hour will be 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 at Griffin and Leggett, 5800 West 12th Street. Please share your memories of Linda at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.