Linda Marie Lea

Linda Marie Lea, 82, of Amarillo, TX, passed away on September 23, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at The Maverick Club, 1923 S. Lincoln. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Linda was born on March 7, 1943, in Huntington Beach, CA, to Ernest and Juliana Davies. She graduated from Tascosa High School and later attended Amarillo College, where she met the love of her life, Jim Lea, during a choir trip.

Linda and Jim were married on August 3, 1962, and soon after moved to El Paso. They welcomed their son Mike in 1964 and their daughter Debi in 1968.

The family later returned to Amarillo, where Jim became assistant director of the Maverick Boys Club (now the Maverick Club), and Linda worked as secretary. Together, they poured themselves into their community and built lifelong friendships, growing what they always considered their “extended family.” Linda followed Jim to Quanah, then back to Amarillo where Linda also worked alongside Jim at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, where they both eventually retired.

Even after retirement, Linda’s passion for education never waned. She continued to share her love of learning as a substitute teacher for Amarillo ISD.

Linda loved deeply and had a gift for making others feel cared for. She passed on her passion for books and education to her children, grandchildren, and countless others she took under her wing. She and Jim shared 52 wonderful years of marriage, creating a legacy of love, laughter, and service.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Jim Lea of Amarillo.

Linda is survived by her son, Mike Lea and wife Sophia of Fort Worth, TX; her daughter, Debi “Debi Dumplings” Lea and husband Jason Maxwell of Amarillo, TX; her grandchildren, Coby Havins of Amarillo, TX, Kelbi Havins of Indianapolis, IN, and Kip Maxwell of Amarillo, TX; her beloved cat, Marshall; and her great-granddog, Chicken.