Linda was born on October 4, 1952, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Joseph and Loretta Labat. She attended St. Rose de Lima School until it closed, then graduated from Bay Senior High School. After a year at Tougaloo College in Jackson, she moved to San Francisco with her daughter, Ebony, to join her sister Carmen. Together, they supported one another and raised their three children.
Linda and Carmen created a home rooted in love, resilience, and family while raising Ebony, Nicole, and Jason. Their house became the heart of the Labat family on the West Coast, filled with laughter, music, Sunday dinners, and a steady stream of loved ones. Her brothers David and Pat visited often, and no one left her table hungry.

Soon after arriving in San Francisco, Linda worked as a hostess at the historic St. Francis Hotel downtown. She later became a manager at City Park, overseeing several Bay Area parking facilities, including operations at Candlestick Park. Resourceful and family-centered, she often enlisted relatives during football season, turning long, early days into another way to bring family together.

Family was always at the center of Linda's life. After Carmen passed unexpectedly, Linda lovingly raised Nicole and Jason alongside Ebony. She made sure all three received strong educations, graduating from private Catholic high schools and going on to earn college degrees. She guided them with unwavering love, strength, and determination, treating each as her own.

Linda had many talents. She learned to cook with Carmen, and together they ventured into catering. Her culinary gifts became legendary among family and friends. She was especially known for her lemon meringue pies, buttermilk biscuits, French toast, and countless meals made with love. Her baking was memorable not only for its flavor, but also for the flour she left behind and the cabinet doors she forgot to close.

A skilled seamstress with a sharp eye for detail, Linda sewed dresses and prom gowns for Ebony, Nicole, and many of their friends. She took pride in making beautiful things with her hands.

Linda also loved life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed shopping for jewelry, handbags, home décor, and cookbooks, and opals were her favorite gemstone. She delighted in finding bargains and sharing them with loved ones. She also loved camping, reading, football, and cheering on the San Francisco Giants.

One of Linda's greatest joys was playing dominoes. Around the table with brothers, cousins, and close friends, she was known for counting spots, keeping score, and usually winning. Hours passed in lively competition, laughter, and playful teasing.

After retiring from City Park, Linda returned to Bay St. Louis to be closer to family. There, she continued sharing her gifts through a catering business, preparing meals for weddings, showers, and other special events across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Above all, Linda cherished her family. She spent her life caring for others, opening her home, sharing her talents, and loving without reservation. Her strength, generosity, humor, and devotion will remain her enduring legacy.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Ebony Labat (Demetrius); her grandchildren, Miles, Nico, and Riley; and her great-granddaughter, Cambrie. She is also survived by her brothers David, Brian (Rymsky), Patrick (Cheryl), Kenny (Dolores), and Jay; and her sisters Carol (Robert), Penelope, and Karen (Ron); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Loretta Labat; her brothers Bernie, Steven, and Ronald; and her sisters Carmen and Lynette.

Though she will be deeply missed, Linda will forever be remembered by her family and friends. Her legacy of love, sacrifice, resilience, and devotion will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.