Linda S. Sweet

Linda S. Sweet, nee Barnhill, 82, of Red Bud, IL, died August 19, 2024, in O'Fallon, IL. She was born June 11, 1942, in Poplar Bluff, MO.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Allan Sweet; children Mark Sweet, Angie (Johnnie) Hammonds, and Matthew Sweet (Brent Brazell); grand children Ryan Sweet, Luke Sweet, Andrew (Naomi) Hammonds, Alexander (Haley) Hammonds, and Amanda (Will) Denny; great grandchildren Jack Sweet and Lilly and Tatum Hammonds; brother Michael Barnhill; sister-in-law Debra Barnhill; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents Dallas Harold and Lora Mae (nee Wooten) Barnhill; sister Mona (Kenneth) Polley, brother Victor Barnhill, and granddaughter Jessica Sweet.

Linda was a member of City Well Church in Columbia, IL.

There are many people that we have encountered in our lives. A few stand out and forever cement themselves in our memories. Linda chased after God with a PASSION and determination that we have only seen in a few people. She never gave up, never wore out, never ceased to pursue her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 7:17-23 that you can know a person by their fruit, and Linda bore that fruit. The fruit of the spirit spoken of in Galations 5:22-23, was continually exhibited in her life. She exuded Love; Joy was definitely a strength of hers; her disarming smile and laugh brought peace to many; she expressed kindness, goodness and gentleness to everyone that she encountered. These fruits demonstrated that the Holy Spirit lived within her. Many, maybe all, can attest to these truths. 

Linda thrived in getting to know people. Her genuine concern for each person, quickly disarmed any false facades. True to form, she would turn the conversation to her favorite subject, Jesus. In a short period of time, she would learn about their history, what brought them to that moment in life; then she would elegantly pose the question….Do you know Jesus? What’s your relationship with Him? If they didn’t have a relationship, they were sure to understand what was available to them. She was not going to miss an opportunity to introduce someone to Jesus. This is the kind of fruit that defines Linda’s life. She took to heart the commands of Jesus in Mark 16:15, where he says “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to: Seeds of Fire Ministry

Visitation:

2:30 PM to 5:30 PM Friday, August 23, 2024 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

Funeral Service:

5:30 PM Friday, August 23, 2024 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

 Bonnie Wallace officiating