Linda Wiggins

ESTILL :     Mrs. Linda Lea Hunt Wiggins, of 5th Street in Estill, wife of James Chisholm Wiggins, passed away Friday evening, January 14, 2022 at her home in Estill.

Mrs. Wiggins was born on January 6, 1944 to Catherine Patterson and Louis Hunt of Savannah, Georgia. She was their second child. In 1948 Louis moved his young family from Savannah, his hometown, to Garnett, Catherine's hometown, because her father had been killed in an auto accident. Young Linda and Joel, her older brother, quickly made friends in and around Garnett. Nicky, her next younger brother was born in Savannah just a year before the move to Garnett. Jon Louis Hunt, her youngest brother was born in 1953.

Jon was born with multiple handicaps. Linda began her life of care giving with Jon while he was a child. After marriage she helped look after Mrs. Annie Wiggins, her mother-in-law, her father and mother, then her older brother, Joel, and Jon in their declining years. Even with her own health failing, more recently she cared for her beloved husband, Jimmy.

Her first friend in Garnett was Sandra Daley Simmons whose mother, Mildred, was best friends with her mother, Catherine. Linda graduated from Estill High School in 1961. While there she participated in chorus under the tutelage of Mr. Davis Powers. She had a soprano voice that he helped her develop. Her father was SO proud of her voice. Linda sang at dozens of weddings and funerals during her lifetime.

Linda spent her early years working for her father in various capacities but primarily in his "Big Store" in Garnett. The store became the social center of her life where Sandra and many other friends volunteered with chores. After marriage she spent her career working for Hampton County Public School District 2.

She discovered the love of her life, James (Jimmy) Chisholm Wiggins, who lived only about 150 yards from her home in Garnett. They married in February, 1964 and adopted Eleanor (Elle) Wiggins Bostick in 1970. Linda and Jimmy lived in Estill but spent a tremendous part of their lives at their shared summer home on All-joy Beach in Bluffton. Both of these communities were dear to both of their hearts.

Survived by Nick Hunt (Rosemary) of Beaufort, Eleanor (Elle), her children, Joseph and Mackenzie, Raulston (now deceased), her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and bonus grandchildren Kendall and Landon Bostick. They became the focus of her life and remained that way until her last breath. She adored them and wanted to help take care of them as they were growing up, even while her health was steadily declining. Linda made friends with everyone in and around Estill where she and Jimmy lived. Friends to Linda were family. Special friends "G.A." Georgia Ann Jarrell (deceased), Annie Lee Kinard, Cappi Pate Wilburn, and lifetime friend Sandra Daley Simmons. She was called the Soup Lady by many friends because she often delivered homemade soup to the sick and bereaved. Some have said they don't know anyone who didn't love Linda. She has left many broken hearts in Hampton County.

Funeral services will be Sunday, January 23rd, 2022 at 3 P.M. in the Patrick Henry Gymnasium on Hwy: 601 South near Estill, conducted by Rev. Dr. Jamie Norris and Rev. Robert Ethridge, with burial in the Black Swamp Cemetery in Garnett, directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at the Gymnasium at 2 P.M. prior to the services.