Linda Lou Graham BeLew's Obituary
Linda BeLew, Mom, Nana, Sister, Linda Lou, “Miss America” went home to be with her Lord, Loved Ones and Beloved Dogs on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 while taking an afternoon nap in one of her favorite places, Southlake, Texas, at the youthful age of 85.
Linda was always known as a very classy lady, dressing to a tee every day, beautifully applying her makeup and fixing her hair. She was constantly admired for her glittery nails, fabulous accessories and youthful appearance and attitude. Her sense of humor, friendliness and generosity filled every place she was with joy and laughter. You were not allowed to leave her home without being offered candy from an overflowing candy bowl.
Linda and her identical twin, Norma, were born in Dallas, Texas on August, 11, 1939. They graduated from Sunset High School while being raised by their beloved grandmother, Mommy Annie. While attending the Big D Jamboree at the Dallas Sportatorium in 1958, she and her twin sister met another set of identical twins, musical performers, The BeLew Twins. The 2 sets of twins were married on Valentine’s Day 1959. Linda and Bobby were married for 34 years until his death in 1993, having one child, Lisa BeLew McMillen. Linda and Lisa were perpetual best friends as well as mother and daughter, enjoying multiple daily conversations, many exciting trips and constant shopping adventures. Her only grandchild, Olivia McMillen, enjoyed many of these adventures, along with her favorite son-in-law, Kevin McMillen.
Linda was endlessly proud of her family and shared their stories and achievements with anyone who would listen. She loved watching and visiting her beloved Olivia wherever she was, be it at performances, in college at Indiana University or in New York City. She loved going on cruises, visiting European and tropical locations, especially Turks and Caicos, and going to casinos to play the slots. Anyone who knew her, will remember her love of Bruno Mars and all his music.
Linda is undoubtedly now enjoying the sweet company of her husband, Bobby BeLew, her grandmother, Annie Willoughby, her parents, TJ and Pauline Graham, her nephew, Scott BeLew and loving petting and getting kisses from her many beloved dogs, especially Peaches, Wilson, Chester and Lilly.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted daughter, Lisa McMillen and husband Kevin, her beloved granddaughter, Olivia McMillen, her cherished sister, Norma Sudduth and husband James and a host of life-long friends including Sharon Martin, Barbara and Charles McMillen and too many sweet care providers to name.
Linda loved fancy jewelry, fancy cars, fancy clothes, fancy frozen drinks and cheap wine, but one thing that touched her heart most deeply was the suffering of stray dogs. She never turned away a stray and if you would like to honor her life and legacy with a gift, she would be so appreciative of a donation being made to an organization like Muddy Paws Rescue in one of her favorite places, Brooklyn, NY, where she loved to visit and explore with Olivia.
A memorial fundraiser has been established in Linda’s name and can be accessed through the Muddy Paws Rescue website at https://give.muddypawsrescue.org/lindalovesdogs
A memorial to celebrate Linda’s life will be planned to take place in the Fall.
Life without Linda will be a little less exciting and a lot less fun, but one day, we will see her again and get to tell her how special she was and how much we loved and missed her. Until then, Cheers!
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
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Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
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