It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Linda Louise Payne Cordray, who tragically died Tuesday, March 12, 2024.  Linda was affectionately known as Mammy to her family, and Little Bit to many of her friends.  She died as she lived, trying to provide love, hope, and care to others.

Linda was a vibrant soul who illuminated the lives of all who knew her.  She was the heartbeat of every gathering, the life of every party.  Her infectious laughter and boundless energy would light up a room in an instant.

Linda had a special affinity for animals, their presence bringing her immense joy and comfort throughout her life.  She poured her heart into every furry friend she encountered.  If you are connected with her on Facebook, you know that the majority of her posts – those not celebrating her family and friends – are all about dogs.

Her big personality and unwavering love touched countless hearts, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.  Linda will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all the lives she touched with her indomitable spirit.  Though she may no longer be with us in person, her memory will live on forever in our hearts.

Linda was born July 28, 1947, in Henderson, Kentucky, to the late Hudson (H.D.) and Dorothy (Dot) Payne.  Linda grew up the oldest of 4 siblings, with brothers Mike, Pat, and Danny, and graduated in 1965 from Holy Name High School.  Her brother, Mike, preceded her in death in 1989.

In 1969, she married Mike Wilson, and together they had two sons, George Michael Wilson, Jr., and Matthew Damien Wilson.  Linda later had a daughter, Lexie Griffith (Veech), with her second husband, Terry Griffith.  Linda married Bill Cordray in 1984.  They spent the majority of their nearly 40 years together living in Ft Branch, Indiana, where she primarily worked as a pharmacy technician at Wal-Mart.  Together they moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 2013, where Linda worked at Publix.  She was a customer favorite – whether she had a line or not, people would go to her simply because they knew the warm greeting and big smile they would get when she saw them.  She learned everyone's names so she could always provide a genuine and personal touch to every interaction she had.

Linda is survived by her husband Bill; two brothers, Pat and Danny; two sons, Michael (wife Amy) and Matt (wife Diane); one daughter, Lexie (husband Aaron); five grandchildren, Jada Watkins, Blake Wilson, Jacob Wilson, Austin Wilson, Mason Veech; and two stepdaughters, Tiffany Ware and Janelle Pullum.  She is also survived by the other love of her life, her dog Jax.

A service to celebrate Linda's life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 511 Second Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.  Father Richard Meredith will officiate.  Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery in Henderson.

Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home, 604 Center Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.

Pallbearers will be her sons, Matthew Wilson and Michael Wilson; her grandsons, Jacob Wilson and Blake Wilson; her son-in-law, Aaron Veech; and her nephew, Justin Oliver.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to K9s for Warriors at https://donate.k9sforwarriors.org or First Coast No More Homeless Pets at https://fcnmhp.org/support-our-mission/donate-2, in honor of Linda's love for animals.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and light she brought to the world.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.