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Linda Franks Upner, a woman defined by her infectious laughter, outgoing personality, and deep devotion to her family, passed away Saturday morning at the age of 67. Linda was "a hoot" and possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people and make you laugh, she was much smarter than she let on. Born on January 12, 1958, Linda began her life in Jasper, AL, lived in Cordova, AL until moving in 1962 to Shelbyville, TN, where she attended Central High School. After living in Shelbyville until 1988, she moved to Anniston, AL. Throughout her life, Linda was a dedicated Homemaker and worked in various roles at companies including Jostens, Chalkline, Woodwards, Tapecraft, and Security for some random trucking company that nobody remembers. Linda had a green thumb and a true gift for gardening, able to grow virtually anything. She loved the outdoors, finding peace in fishing, appreciating the beauty of the mountains, and enjoying birdwatching. She loved drawing and art. The very first thing she ever bought her husband John was a wheelbarrow. She loved shooting chickens and watching the feathers fly, especially while someone was sitting near by. Her life revolved around her loved ones. Linda loved holidays and her greatest joy was simply having the family together. She cherished her church family at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Though generally a homebody, she had a dream of traveling to Graceland (accomplished), Washington D.C., and the Grand Canyon. Linda was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Arnold; her parents, James Woodson Franks (CPL US Army) and Christine Pointer Jones Franks; her siblings, James Kenneth Franks and Vicky Jo Franks; her grandmother, Momma Mirtle Sweeney; brothers-in-law, Leonard Cook and Mark Upner. She is also preceded by her beloved pet, Princess. She is survived by her devoted husband, John Upner, and her loving sister, Deborah Cook. Her memory is carried on by her four children: Jason Arnold (Kim), Dora Upner Bonebrake (Jared Bonebrake), John “Bubba” Upner, and Matthew Upner (Candie Smith Upner). Linda leaves behind fifteen cherished grandchildren: Abigail Bonebrake, Hunter Upner, Gabrielle Bonebrake, Christian Arnold, Shane Bonebrake, Brody Upner, Isabelle Bonebrake, Carson Upner, Lindsey Upner, McKinzy Upner, Nathan “Pete” Bonebrake, Jonathon Upner, Ava Upner, Rachel Bonebrake, and Jackson Wade Upner, as well as many nieces and nephews she loved.. Pallbearers will be Chris Arnold, Jared Bonebrake, Brian Louvier, Wyatt Mills, Hunter Upner, John Bubba Upner. Honorary Pallbearers are Brody Upner, Shane Bonebrake, Nathan “Pete” Bonebrake, and Jonathon Upner. Family and Friends may visit October 29 at 6:00-9:00pm. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on October 30 at Miller Funeral Home, located at 50 Hamric Dr E, Oxford, AL 36203. Linda will be laid to rest in Anniston Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral service with an escort from Billingsley Fire Department and Red Knights MC.

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Linda Franks Upner

January 12, 1958 - October 25, 2025