Linda Kay Ferguson

Linda Kay (Drury) Ferguson, 74, of Poplar Bluff departed this life on Monday, February 16, 2026, at her residence. She was born on November 29, 1951, to Edward and Margaret (Rushin) Drury in Poplar Bluff.

Linda graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1969. She attended TRCC, and received a Bachelor of Education and Masters in Education from Southeast Missouri State University.

On June 5, 1971, Linda married James C. Ferguson at Second Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Jim and Linda were married 53 years.

Teaching was her passion, as Linda began her teaching career early after graduation, eventually teaching at Shady Grove State School for 20 years. After her retirement from Shady Grove, Linda taught for the PB R-1 School District, primarily at the Early Childhood Center, and later as a part time process coordinator for the district. She was awarded Teacher of the Year while working for the PB School District. Linda was a staunch advocate for her students, and a mentor for many beginning teachers. Her warm smile and soft-spoken words made many children feel at ease in her classroom.

As a child, Linda spent her free time sewing and making clothes for her dolls. She also had talents in needle point, crochet, upholstery, and sugar cookies. Linda enjoyed using her sewing talents to make Halloween costumes for her and Jim. Those memorable costumes were always a hit at the WHCC Halloween parties.

Later in life, Linda could be seen at all her grandchildren's’ events as the proud “Granny” she was. She was particularly proud of watching her grandson, Owen, perform his music live, helping Evan find a Pixar car for his collection, watching Ole Miss sports with Kaylee, and cheering on Karr at football games.

Linda relished spending time at the cabin with her family, and hosting “girls' weekends” with her close-knit group of girlfriends. Linda was a loyal friend, and someone you always wanted in your corner. She was a member of the Westwood Hills Country Club and of the Lutheran faith. Linda enjoyed watching the Rebels, and reading.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents, Edward and Margaret Drury.

She is survived by one son Bryan (Joy) Ferguson; a daughter, Traci (Kevin Jr.) Barbour; grandchildren, Owen and Evan Ferguson, and Kaylee, Trey, and Karr Barbour; special cousins, Paula (Steve) Rhodes, Debbie (Tom) Cash, John Drury and Bill (Laura) Drury; brother-in- law and sister-in-law, Randy and Kathy Ferguson, and numerous other family and friends.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m.-noon, Friday, February 20, 2026, with services immediately following at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff, MO. Burial will take place at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Sloan Parker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to UCAN or the Poplar Bluff Public Library.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Linda Kay Ferguson. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com