Linda Jean Esley

Linda Jean Esley, a beloved member of the Tulsa community, completed her earthly journey on August 17, 2023, at the age of 75.

She was born on November 7, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the daughter of Bill B. Graham and Armilda Jean (Cook) Thompson-Bragg. Linda grew up in Cleveland and later moved to Tulsa, where she graduated from Will Rogers High School with the Class of 1965. Linda furthered her education at Oklahoma State University, majoring in Statistics, graduating in 1969 with a bachelor's degree. Following graduation, Linda was united in marriage to Mark John Holtzclaw. They established their home residing in Colorado, and Montana; to that union, there is one son, Brad. Linda returned to Tulsa in 1978, working as a teller at a local bank. On July 28, 1980, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Linda was united in marriage to Richard Allen Esley, making their home in Broken Arrow. Linda later accepted a position with Gothic Energy Corp as a personal assistant. She dedicated her talents and energy to Gothic Energy Corp, where she made a lasting impact on her colleagues and the industry.

Linda's passing has left a void in the hearts of her loved ones and all those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Linda Jean Esley was known for her unwavering dedication and selfless nature throughout her life. Linda's warmth and kind-heartedness extended far beyond her professional life. She was remarkably able to make everyone around her feel valued, often going above and beyond to help those in need. Her gentle spirit and genuine compassion touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting imprint on their hearts. Linda found solace in the simple joys of life. She had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her lush garden, cultivating vibrant flowers, and nurturing the beauty of nature. In the quieter moments, Linda found solace in the pages of books, immersing herself in captivating stories that allowed her imagination to soar. Her love for literature showcased her insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

Linda's caring nature extended to her furry companions as she delighted in the company of her cherished cats. She created a warm, nurturing home filled with love, laughter, and boundless affection for her feline friends.

Linda Jean Esley was a devoted mother to her son, Brad Holtzclaw, and Kendra and her daughter, Tuesday Shrum of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and an aunt, Sharon May, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Armilda "Midge" Thompson-Bragg, father, Bill B. Graham and Kenneth Bragg, and husband, Richard Allen Esley.

In honor of Linda's life and legacy, a funeral service will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by Linda are invited to attend this solemn ceremony to pay their respects, share memories, and find solace in the gathering of loved ones.

Following the Funeral Service, Linda will be laid to rest at West Crestview Drive in Cleveland, Oklahoma, where she will find eternal peace. This serene location provides a fitting final resting place for someone who brought so much light and love into the world. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Linda at www.chapman-black.com.

Copyright Notice

© 2023 (Chapman-Black Funeral Home)

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This obituary is a work protected under international and federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this compiled work may be reproduced, altered or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

The author hereby grants the newspaper the right to publish the compiled work on the dates and location provided in the submission details and further grants to the newspaper the right to reproduce the work electronically in any website or digital medium owned or controlled by the newspaper provided the copy is not altered or modified in any way. The funeral home's website domain must accompany any reproduction of the work. The work must not be used for or by any person for direct commercialized gain in competition with the author, the funeral home, or their respective businesses.

Privacy Disclaimer

The information contained in this Tribute Wall is intended solely for the private use of the families and friends of the deceased to support each other and honour, respect and pay tribute to the memory of the deceased.

Any and all other use is strictly prohibited. Without limiting the foregoing, any reproduction, distribution of the information contained herein, nor any contact or solicitation of any person identified in this work, nor any attempt to use the information in the work is prohibited.