Linda Williams

Linda Gay Cody Williams, the embodiment of southern charm and hospitality, passed away on June 11, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Born on April 9, 1943, in Amory, Mississippi to the late Callie and Lester Cody. Linda graced this world with her vibrant spirit and infectious laughter for 82 years.

After graduating from Hatley High School in 1960 and Itawamba Junior College in 1962, she worked at the Amory Advertiser and Star Printing Company in Amory, Mississippi before moving to Franklin, Tennessee in 1992 to take care of her grandchildren, Nicole and Tyler. Her passion for golf traveled with her from the Amory Golf Course to Cheekwood Golf Club in Franklin where her presence brightened the greens as both a player and dedicated volunteer as a Marshall. She was also the Sales Manager at The Iron Gate in Franklin for many years before fully retiring. When not on the golf course, Linda could be found perfecting her strike bowling in a league, where her competitive spirit and joyful laughter made her a favorite among friends.

Linda's zest for life was evident in everything she did. Known for her gift of turning strangers into friends with just one conversation, Linda never met a person she could not coax a smile from with her witty jokes and delightful storytelling. Her home was always open, her table always set, and her heart always ready to welcome anyone who crossed her threshold—the quintessential Southern Belle whose hospitality knew no bounds. As the consummate hostess, Linda had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel comfortable and well fed. Her gatherings were legendary filled with good food, better stories, and the kind of warmth that made you feel instantly at home.

Linda's beautiful legacy lives on through her daughters, Tammy Williams Hawes (John) of Brentwood, Tennessee and Teresa Williams Erby of Franklin, Tennessee. She adored her grandchildren, Nicole Marie Bass (Shannon), William Tyler Bass, Blake Owen Erby and Cooper William Erby. Her nephew and niece, Dennis Frank Jackson and Glenda Faye McCory, also held a special place in her heart.

She is preceded in death by the father of her children, Guy Owen Williams, her parents, Callie Lavada Sullivan Cody and E. Lester Cody, and her siblings Ann Toby, Dorothy M. Dykes, Charles Dale Cody, E. Wayne Cody, and Mary Francis Jackson—all of whom surely welcomed her home with the same warmth she showed to others throughout her life.

Funeral services for Linda will be held at Cleveland-Moffett Funeral Home in Amory, Mississippi, on June 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm with Chuck Moffett officiating.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm. A private burial will follow at Amory Masonic Cemetery.

Linda Gay Cody Williams will be remembered not just for the joy she brought to everyone she met, but for the way she made life feel like a gracious, southern celebration. Her legacy of love, laughter, and genuine kindness will continue to touch hearts for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor.

Condolences may be shared with the family at clevelandmoffettfuneralhome.com.