Linda Harvard

Linda Harvard, 82, a resident of Cleveland, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in a local healthcare facility.

Linda was born in Ashland, Alabama, and she was the daughter of the late Ruth Hardin Johnson and Woodrow Doyle Johnson. Her son, Jeffery Graham Harvard; and her brother-in-law, Billy Ramsey, also preceded her in death.

Linda was a remarkable individual who devoted her life to serving God, her family and others. As the wife of a pastor, she had a strong passion for children's ministry and played a significant role in shaping the lives of young Christian individuals. Whether it was through Sunday school, puppet shows or designing the children's center at The Bridge, Linda's love for God's work could be seen in every program and in every child she interacted with.

Beyond her ministry, Linda's compassion extended to her personal life. Friends and loved ones have described her as an embodiment of Christ's teachings, highlighting her kindness, faith and exemplary character. Despite facing the devastating loss of a young son, Linda's faith grew stronger, and she sought to deepen her understanding of the Word of God. She became a devoted student of Israel, delving into both its historical context within scripture and its modern-day significance. Linda recognized the connection between our future in Christ, the Church and God's children, and she made it her life's mission to share a message of hope with anyone willing to listen.

Linda's life serves as an inspiration to all who knew her. Her unwavering faith, dedication to serving others, and her pursuit of understanding and sharing the Word of God left a lasting impact on those she encountered. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to resonate in the lives of the many individuals she touched throughout her ministry and personal life.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Dr. Ron Harvard of Cleveland; daughters, Melinda Rodgers (Bob) of Cleveland, Stephanie M. Smith (Sam) of Louisville; son, Michael W. Harvard of Maryville; grandchildren, Taylor Smith (Cody), Jordan Foskey (Jenevieve), Cory Collins (Eric), Graham Harvard, Samuel Smith, Bobby Rodgers, Hope Harvard, Solomon Smith and Holland Harvard; great-grandchildren, Kona Foskey, Emory Smith, Avery Smith and Ocean Foskey; sisters, Marjorie Walls (Len) of Auburndale, Florida, Wanda Ramsey, Richmond, Kentucky, Cherri Carpenter (Larry) of Cleveland; brothers, Luther G. Johnson (Judy), and Mark Johnson (Tina), all of Maryville; and several nieces and nephews.

The Remembrance of Life service will be conducted at noon on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services, North Ocoee Chapel, with Dr. John Lombard officiating.

Interment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens with her grandsons serving as casket bearers.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Ministry to Israel by going to ministrytoisrael.com or to the Jeffery Graham Harvard Scholarship by going to leeuniversity.edu/give. Click Endowed Scholarship in the drop box and in the other comments box list Jeffery Graham Harvard Scholarship.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the funeral home.

You may share your condolences and memories with the Harvard family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.