Linda Kay Parkhurst
1942 – 2020
Linda Parkhurst, 78, of Edmond, Passed away just 2 days after her birthday on a beautiful fall morning. The eternal smile faded away, with her children by her side. Born in Piedmont, OK she is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie & Mildred Baker, sisters, Irma Hughes and Donna Caton. Left to mourn that beautiful smile are her three children, Jackie Horton & husband John, of Jones, OK, Thomas Parkhurst & wife Tammy of Edmond, OK, Cheryl Williams & boyfriend Ray Chartney, of Jones, OK; seven grandchildren: Brandon Sourjohn & wife Jade, Jennifer Drye & husband Shawn, Jessica Lattin & husband Brad, Lindi Williams, Zach Parkhurst & wife Taylor, Ben Parkhurst, and James Durant & wife Paige. Five great grandchildren: Sawyer & Merritt Lattin, Gunner and Kase Sourjohn, Grayson Scott, Addison Parkhurst, Evelyn and Asher Durant, and was recently made aware of her sixth great grandchild currently on the way, Weston Parkhurst, her sister Mary Ann Pinson and brother Leslie Baker, devoted care givers, Aunt Jane Patterson and cousin Shirley Ruth Walker. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her family moved to Britton, OK, where she attended Britton Elementary, and then graduated from John Marshall High School in 1960. Her John Marshall classmates were still ever present in her life celebrating birthdays together and Christmas Parties with lots of homemade food, specifically her homemade pumpkin bread (by request) and loads of fun and laughter. Until her health faded her time with her classmates was one of her most treasured moments.
Linda never met a stranger and always flashed that beautiful smile to everyone she met. She devoted 19 years of service to Sonic Industries where she was the “Voice of Sonic”, answering thousands of calls from her beloved franchisees, and supply partners. The Sonic Family was ever present in her life, several of whom called since her passing with their condolences and telling her children the world was a better place with her in it. Jackie and Cheryl had the privilege of working with their Mom for those 19 years and always joked about that sign you would see in the breakroom “Your Mother doesn’t work here, so clean up after yourself!” Well they were lucky enough to say theirs did.
Linda loved gardening, traveling with her Aunt Jane until her health would not allow it. Her first health setback was while traveling to beautiful Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho visiting her family. She would inherit her lawn care skills from her father (who kept an immaculate yard). She could wear out a John Deere lawn mower. Her family will miss her huge family gatherings with her famous Potato Salad and Homemade Ice Cream, the daughters have since mastered the recipes, which will allow family and friends to enjoy them for years to come. Her grandchildren will always remember her great MeeMoo’isms.
Visitation will be held from 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Matthews Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am, Monday, October 19, 2020, also at Matthews Funeral Home with burial in Jones, OK at the IOOF Cemetery.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but feel they should not due to health regulations. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
Linda was so kind to me over many years. She always gave me so much love. Wonderful lady. She will be missed by many.
I will miss Linda greatly.
Voice of Sonic!
In my 18 years at Sonic, Linda made my day much brighter to work and we shared a lot of laughs and jokes. My family, when they called in from Cleveland always enjoyed talking with her before me. She always called my mother mom! Now they will be together in haven and looking down on us and smiling and watching over us. I will miss her smile and laugh. Guido and Marilyn Vitello
Linda will be missed by so many. She always brought a smile to everyone and made working at Sonic such a wonderful place to work for all of her Sonic family. My prayers are with Cheryl, Jackie and all the family.
Linda had the unusual gift of being able to make everyone feel special. I was fortunate to work with Linda (as well as Cheryl and Jackie) for most of her time at Sonic and always looked forward to her welcoming smile, which every person calling the Sonic switchboard was able to experience through her pleasant and friendly greeting. Linda will be deeply missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cheryl, Jackie and the rest of Linda’s family and friends. –Steve & Merrie Lynn
Sweet, sweet Linda, I will forever remember you for being the “Voice of Sonic’. Your voice just resonated a warm smile over the phone to all those who called into the Sonic office. You also continued that smile to everyone you came in contact with. You knew no strangers, and was loved by everyone that came in contact with you. You knew my twin brothers in high school, and others that I knew from Edmond, which gave us some interesting talks. One particular time that still makes me smile today is when we were walking, with other Sonic employees, going to lunch (I think ), we took off ahead of the younger ones, and we started skipping down the path. Jackie was with us, and she kept saying we were embarrassing her. We just kept skipping and laughing, even though we were totally out of breath! Linda, you will always be so missed by me and others! Loved our times together! Say hi to Don and Ron for me!
What a beautiful tribute to Ms.Linda. She did have such an infectious smile. Precious memories will keep her in your heart. Sending our love and condolences to all of the family.
Linda impacted everyone who heard her voice or saw her in person. I will always remember when she would pick me up to carpool to Sonic and almost immediately my side of the car windows would fog up. She would always say I needed to cool off more before getting in her car. It didn’t matter if it was winter or summer and those windows would fog up. I never figured out why it would happen only in her car. I told her she was just such a cool lady the windows responded when my breath got in her car. I loved Linda for her motherly and friendly advice about lots of things. One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received was a loaf of her pumpkin bread. It was the most delicious I’ve ever tasted. Keeping Jackie, Cheryl and entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda was one of the first people I met at Sonic. I remember coming in for my first interview (Park Avenue building) and Linda was so friendly and welcoming in that big reception area on the 14th floor. I always thought it was pretty cool that she and her two daughters were also employed at the Sonic headquarters. I had the pleasure of working with Cheryl in the same department for 20 years and Jackie as well for many years. Love and prayers to her children and grandchildren.
Marsha Orr
From the very first day I met Linda in 1997 I knew she was someone very special. Linda and Shelly interviewed me to be their boss. She always had the best hugs, smile and was such a strong lady. I loved her stubborn side, it was cute to me. I was blessed with more than co-worker. We shared laughter, tears and a billion projects together.
She never once complained about any of the “you want us to do what” projects She was so proud of her little house and I enjoyed visiting her there and then visiting her and her sister as we just sit outside on many occasions laughing, drinking tea and enjoying each other’s company. She was always a sport when our department would dress up for Halloween, she was up for any of our crazy ideas. People pass through our lives for a reason. She made me a better boss and friend and person Cheryl and Jackie I know you are proud of your mother and I’m so very sorry. Even though times change and we didn’t see each other often in the past years, you all made an impact on my life that no one can take away. God bless you and know I love you deeply. Don
I also remember what it was like the first day I went to interview at the Park Avenue building, Linda’s warm smile and voice made me so comfortable and relaxed, I feel very lucky to have meant and worked with such a beautiful person.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jackie, Cheryl and the entire family.
Tommie
Your mother was an amazing beautiful woman. She always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. Linda will be missed by many. You all in my prayers.
Linda was the first person I met when I stepped off the elevator for my first interview at SONIC. She was so friendly to me and the perfect person to be the “Chief Smile Administrator”. I was so sad to hear of her being taken too soon and I know she will be missed. I’m praying for peace and comfort for all.
I have very fond memories of working with Linda. Her eternal smile is a picture in my mind that I will never forget. She made Sonic a better place to be for everyone. My thoughts, prayers and love for Jackie, Cheryl and the rest of the family.
Such a beautiful person, inside and out. We shared so many fun times! You were an inspiration and mentor to me. I will always cherish our friendship.
Heaven gained a lovely angel!
Linda was so much more than the “Voice of Sonic”. She was a very special lady with the biggest smile that can light a room. A mom that loved her children, grandchildren and family. Rest In Peace my friend, see you soon. ?
Praying for Cheryl, Jackie and families.
It’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t know Linda. Since Jackie and John have been an item for over 40 years now, she was a part of our family for all that time. She always had a hug and a sweet smile for all of us. I know she will enter heaven with lots of love and happy memories. One of my favorite memories was a time when I called to speak with Jackie at Sonic. But, of course, I got Linda first. We got to chatting and I hung up without having ever talked to Jackie! She was such a sweetheart. You’ll be missed dear lady!
Linda radiated warmth toward one and all, sharing her joy in life in a way that invited others to do the same. She wasn’t just the voice of Sonic, but the living embodiment of the Heart of Sonic. Deepest condolences to Cheryl, Jackie and the entire family during this difficult time.
It was fascinating to absorb the radiating presence Linda had at Sonic for almost 20 years. That friendly and ever-recognizable voice, with a smile that seemed to flow from the speaker, she didn’t just greet you, she wove thru your day. She was a gift through any momentary announcement and, more importantly, an ongoing contributor to a culture of kindness and decency. You knew Just where you were when you heard Linda.
My condolences to Linda’s family. I worked with several of you for years, and considered Linda and you my friends. Linda’s parting makes those years seem more distant. Her sharing her smile and her love will continue to warm our hearts, and give us the benefit of her presence. Let’s keep her smile and her voice in our hearts. We will be better people for this!
I sent Linda a happy birthday wish on the 12th, the same day as my daughter Robin’s. J did not know she was so ill. I know that Gerald, Jackie and Cheryl will miss her so much. I am sadden by her passing and wish I could talk to her one more time.