Linda Lou Black

Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes

202 Maple Ave., Oak Hill, Ohio 45656

(p) 740-682-6696    (f) 740-682-7862

 (e) lewisgillumfh@gmail.com     (w) www.lewisgillum.com

Linda Lou Black, age 78 of Thurman, Ohio passed away Saturday, January 25th, 2025, at Holzer Medical Center of Jackson. Linda was born on June 9, 1946, at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky to the late James and Lucille Barry. 

Linda was a long-time dietary manager at Gallipolis Developmental Center, where she took pride in planning and preparing meals for her beloved clients. Linda loved to cook, paint, and she loved spending quality time with her grandchildren.  She often reminisced on baking a cake for Conway Twitty in her younger years. She also loved taking care of her pet chihuahua and sidekick, Prissy. 

Linda is survived by her two children, Wess Smith (Tiffany) of Thurman, Ohio and Tammy R. Howes (Joseph Lawrence) of Gallipolis, Ohio; ten grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as “Dang Ole Meemaw”: Michael Smith (Kylie McCormick) of Jackson, Ohio,  Andrew Howes (Sadira Frederick) of Gallipolis, Ohio, Jennifer “Shelbi” Smith (Jonny Rowe) of Mercerville, Ohio, Matthew Howes (Ashley) of Oak Hill, Ohio, Tyler VanSickle of Winfield West Virginia,  Justin Howes of Kent, Ohio, Draven Stapleton of Thurman, Ohio, David Smith of Morganfield, Kentucky, Noah Smith of Thurman, Ohio, and Nicholas Smith of Thurman, Ohio; four great- grandchildren: Layton W. Smith, Wesley P. Rice, Harper L. Smith, and Toby R. Howes; her siblings: Mike Barry (Carla Abshire) of Rio Grande, Ohio, Pete Barry (Denise) of Thurman, Ohio, Mandy Vanbibber of Jackson, Ohio, William Barry (Margie) of Rio Grande, Ohio, Timothy Barry of Milford, Indiana, and Maggie Brewer of Clarksville, Tennessee.

 Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James H. Ratliff; four brothers: James, Harmon, Tom, and Robert; and grandson, Kenneth W. Smith.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, from 5-7PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, at 12PM with Pastor Mark Jackson officiating. Burial will follow at Centerpoint Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.