Linda Kay Sherry

Linda Kay Sherry passed away surrounded by her family on December 15, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, due to complications from cancer. She was born to James Winford and Grace Bernell (Smith) Sherry on January 24, 1957, in Nowata, Oklahoma.

As a child, she excelled academically and discovered an early love for music through piano lessons. She became an accomplished pianist and organist, a gift she shared throughout her life. Raised in the Christian faith, Linda found joy and purpose in serving churches through her music.

Linda graduated from Putnam City High School in Putnam City, Oklahoma, and soon after married Bruce Geoffrey “Geoff” Higgins. Together they raised four children. During these years, Linda devoted herself to her family while continuing to play piano for local schools and churches.

After her youngest child was born, Linda returned to college, graduating from Phillips University with degrees in music performance and religion. She later earned a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary and was ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

While serving a congregation in Sulphur, Oklahoma, Linda met her second husband, Richard “Rick” Mills, a minister in the Presbyterian Church. They were married in 2000. Linda later became dually ordained in the Presbyterian Church and served congregations of various sizes and denominations.

Throughout her ministry, Linda served churches across Oklahoma, including Sulphur, Ada, Ardmore, Ponca City, Guthrie, Guymon, and Weatherford. She also served congregations in Beeville, Texas, and Tahoe, California. In addition to her ministry, Linda had a deep love for dogs and was passionate about advocating for victims of domestic abuse.

Linda retired from full-time ministry in 2022. Later that year, Rick passed away. Linda then moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, to be closer to family, where she continued to serve smaller area churches in administrative and consultative roles. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and tending to her garden.

Linda was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Sherry and second husband, Richard “Rick” Mills.

Linda is survived by her children: Christopher Higgins (Kelli) of Greenwood, Indiana; Michael Higgins (Mari Acevedo) of Yukon, Oklahoma; Melissa Rozzell (Jerrod) of Ardmore, Oklahoma; and Patrick Higgins (Jamie) of Edmond, Oklahoma; and seven grandchildren, Mackenzie, Michaela, Kylie, Gabryle, Dante, Melanie, and Miguel.

A memorial service for Linda is pending and is expected to be held in mid-January.