Linda Rae Gray

Linda Rae Sexton-Gray, age 84, of Chester, formerly of Herrin, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 5:00 AM at the Three Springs Lodge Senior Living Facility at Chester, Illinois.

She was born Monday, August 4, 1941 in Herrin, Illinois, a daughter of Charles Dan and Anita Ethel (Hopper) Verga. She married Gary Everett Sexton on July 23, 1976 in Marion. He preceded her in death. She married Bill Gray on May 15, 2000 in Paducah, Kentucky.

Linda worked as a registered nurse at Menard Correctional Center in Chester and the Veteran's Hospital in Marion, where she worked and received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. She was of protestant faith and a member of the Eagles Auxiliary Arie #3252 in Chester, the Illinois Nursing Association, and the American Nursing Association.

She is survived by her husband- Bill Gray; daughter- Debbie (Allan) Stilley of Roberts; best friend- Sherry (Justin Yount) Wilson of Chester and her son- Hayden Haslett; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister- Charlotte Verga of Evansville, IN; former sister-in-law- Karen Verga of North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, first husband- Gary Sexton, son- Richard Sexton, brother- Dan Verga; and her granddaughter- Kristy Sexton.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Herrin City Cemetery with Rev. Keith Owens officiating. Family and friends are asked to gather directly at the cemetery.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.

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