Linda Blaine Gay, of Spring, TX, passed away on September 19, 2022, after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Shreveport, LA on October 4, 1955, to Myron R. ("Mr. Cotton") Blaine and Sally L. Blaine. She graduated from Morgan City High School and attended Trident University, where she received a degree in horticulture.

Linda relocated to Houston, TX, and pursued her passion for all things green, honing her gift that touched many throughout her lifetime. She worked for several commercial landscape companies before landing at Mercer Arboretum, eventually becoming it's Director, until she retired in 2017.

Known as "Royalty" in the plant world, according to GardenLine's Randy Lemmon, "Linda was an expert on everything from bamboo to ferns and a plethora of bulbs in-between. She was a fixture at the Arbor Gate in the past decade as well. Frankly, she was an ICON in the horticultural community here in SE Texas".

Linda leaves behind her beloved husband of 34 years, Lance Walter Gay, and son, Walter Michael Gay (Chloe). She is also survived by her sisters, Lisa Blaine James (Michael) and Laura Blaine Wiggins (J.J.); nieces Lauren Hebert, Kendall James, Hannah Blaine and Mackenzie Wiggins;  nephews, Heath Henry, Cameron Wiggins, Konner James, and Kohl James; Brother-in-law, Daniel J. Gay, cousin, Blaine Paxton (Sheri) and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Cotton & Sally Blaine; mother-in-law, Irene Gay; sister, Leslie Blaine; and brother, Roy Carroll Blaine.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, at the Church at Creeks End, Spring, TX, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., with services following at 1:00 p.m.

In memory of Linda, gardening attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter at www.mcaspets.com or your favorite animal shelter.