Linda Sue Pridgen Olive, aged 83, passed peacefully into eternal rest on January 21, 2024, in Tacoma, WA. Born on April 10, 1940, in Durant, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of the late Ruth and Jack Pridgen. Linda was a beacon of light, known for her vivacious spirit and joyful presence. She embraced life with open arms and instilled in her family the values of love, joy, and resilience.

A graduate of Texarkana High School and East Texas Baptist College, Linda dedicated her life to the noble profession of teaching, enriching the lives of countless students in her roles at various high schools and junior high schools. Her commitment to education and the arts was paralleled by her successful tenure as a Real Estate Agent, where her enthusiasm and determination created a lasting impression on her community.  Linda lived most of her adult life in Asheville, North Carolina where she fell in love with the Blue Ridge mountains, snow skiing, bluegrass music, and storytelling.   She was an artist by nature, she painted throughout her lifetime, and loved to celebrate the artist community in Western North Carolina. Linda was an adventurer and loved to travel and travelled extensively in the United States and Europe.

Linda was a trailblazer for single mothers and a testament to the strength of a purposeful woman. Her love for art, travel, and learning were passed down and embraced by her children and grandchildren creating stories to share for generations to come.  Her beautiful smile and infectious laughter will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by those who were fortunate to know her over various stages of her life around this country that she loved so deeply.

Left to honor Linda and remember her love are her sons, Don Olive (Judy Hoff) and Jamie Olive (Holly); her daughter, Jennifer Pickles (William); and her adoring grandchildren, Haley, Alex, Ashley Olive, and Lauren, Elena, and Claire Pickles; her brother, Jack Pridgen; and her nieces Jill Pridgen, Mary Beth Pridgen Searcy, and Joanna Pridgen Woodard. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Jack Pridgen; and her brother Donald Pridgen.

The family extends an invitation to join them in a celebration of life at University Place Presbyterian Church, University Place, WA, on February 23, 2024, at 2 pm. Linda was vivacious and loved color and jewelry.  Feel free to wear something bright in her honor to help us celebrate her spirit and legacy.

Memorial donations in Linda's honor can be made to the general scholarship fund for the UPPC Music and Arts Institute (https://uppc.churchcenter.com/giving) to support art and music education to deserving youth in our area.