Linda Grace Jones Small, 82

February 16, 1944 – October 13, 2026

Linda Grace Jones Small, age 82 and longtime resident of the Ellisville Community, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at her daughter’s residence in Etta, Mississippi, surrounded by the love and tender care of her family.

In accordance with Mrs. Linda’s wishes, she will be cremated, and a Funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on Friday October 23rd at noon.

Born February 16, 1944, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Mrs. Linda was the daughter of the late Harry Allen and Helen Louise Petro Jones. She received her education at Hattiesburg High School and was married to her beloved husband, Mr. James T. Small Jr., who preceded her in death in 2013. A devoted wife, loving mother, and wonderful homemaker, Mrs. Linda dedicated her life to creating a home filled with love, laughter, and treasured family memories.

A lifelong Catholic, Mrs. Linda was a woman of many talents who found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed embroidery, needlepoint, and working puzzles, and was blessed with a remarkable green thumb, seemingly able to grow anything she put her hands on. An extraordinary cook, she loved preparing delicious meals for her family and friends and making sure everyone was well fed. She was also quite the fisherwoman and could often be found paddling herself around the pond trying for “the big one”.

Mrs. Linda was blessed with the gift of gab and never seemed to meet a stranger. She could carry on a conversation with just about anyone (and often did). Affectionately known as “MeMe,” she wore that title with great pride. What began as a special name from her family, soon became a name used by many who knew and loved her.

Although Mrs. Linda’s presence will be deeply missed, the love she shared and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She often reflected how good God had been to her. Her family finds comfort in the faith she cherished throughout her life and in the hope of the Resurrection, trusting that she now rests in God’s loving and merciful care. Eternal rest, grant unto her O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.

Those left to cherish Mrs. Linda’s memory include her two daughters, Jamie Fetter (Tom) and Linda Gail Cameron; her son, James T. “Sonny” Small III (Dana); her grandchildren, Kateri Fetter Monts (Cameron), Annemarie Fetter, Madison Fetter, Josie Cameron, and Erin Cameron as well as a special nephew, Greg Jones, along with other family members and friends.

New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care is honored to serve Mrs. Linda’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Funeral Mass

Friday
October 23, 2026
12:00 PM
St. Thomas Catholic Church

Hattiesburg, Mississippi