Linda Kay Haynes VanCleave
Linda Kay Haynes VanCleave, 78, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, with family by her side.
She was born on Oct. 8, 1946, in Persia, Tn. Her family lived in Rogersville, Tn., where she graduated from Rogersville High School in 1964.
First and foremost, Linda was a caring and attentive wife, mother, aunt and friend despite the challenges she endured with many health afflictions throughout most of her adult life. She was a longtime member of Tyner United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, shopping and her pets.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jerry Lynn VanCleave; her parents, Rufus D. and Gertrude Chestnutt Haynes; her father-in-law and mother in-law, William Edmond and Ocie Dean Yarbrough VanCleave; brother and sister-in-law, Celton and Mary Scott VanCleave; sister and brother-in-law, Don and Betty VanCleave Gray; brother-in-law Terrel VanCleave and brother-in-law Max Mays.
She is survived by her son, Roger Lynn VanCleave (Melanie); daughter, Lisa VanCleave Lay (Jack); step grandchildren, Jacob (Jasmine), Jordan and Maddie Lay; sister-in-law, Joyce VanCleave Mays; sister-in-law Phyllis VanCleave, beloved cousin Judy Robinette Ferrell, many more treasured cousins, nieces, nephews and her loyal Boston Terrier, Winston.
Special thanks to caregivers from Avenues Home Care, Hearth Hospice, and Hospice Care Center, and Ardent Senior Care for their dedication in providing compassionate care to Linda and her family. Many thanks to Tyner United Methodist Church and the Care Bears for the many prayers, cards and visits provided over the years.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 6:30 p.m.
An interment will occur on Sunday, April 6, at 4 p.m. at Kite Cemetery, 518 Highway 70 South, Rogersville, Tn. 37857. Reverend Amanda Dean will officiate both services.
Pallbearers will be her son, Roger VanCleave, son-in-law, Jack Lay, step-grandsons Jacob and Jordon Lay, and nephews Terry and Tim VanCleave.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.