Linda Fae Hineline

Linda Fae Hineline, age 81, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Waco.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 22, 2026, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Linda was born on July 15, 1944, in Waterloo, Iowa, to James William Norfolk and Helen Fae Thompson Norfolk. From an early age, she found joy in art and reading, and she cherished time spent with her family and beloved pets. Those early passions for creativity and connection remained constant throughout her life.

A woman of remarkable strength and versatility, Linda lived a life defined by service and determination. She proudly served her country in the United States Navy as a Communications Yeoman (CYN3) from 1963 to 1965 and was honorably discharged. In the years that followed, she devoted herself to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the 1980s. She later worked as a scheduler and receptionist in various hospitals and companies, always bringing warmth and professionalism to every role she held. Never one to shy away from adventure, Linda also worked in restaurant customer service and even drove an 18-wheeler as part of a husband-and-wife team — a testament to her independent and fearless spirit.

Linda was deeply committed to her community. She was active in the Grand Chapter of Texas Order of the Eastern Star, supporting scholarship funds, children’s hospitals, cancer research, and domestic violence shelters. Prior to retirement, she volunteered with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), providing steadfast advocacy for children who had experienced abuse or neglect. Her heart for the vulnerable and her desire to make a difference left a lasting impact on many lives.

For many years, Linda was a faithful member of Lorena Methodist Church in Lorena, Texas, where her faith sustained and guided her.

In her spare time, Linda found joy in art, pottery, painting, and shopping. Above all, she was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, whom she adored. She loved deeply and freely, and there was nothing she treasured more than “loving on” her family. Her home and heart were also always open to animals — horses, dogs, and cats — each one holding a special place in her life.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, James William Norfolk and Helen Fae Thompson Norfolk; her brothers, William “Bill” Norfolk and David Norfolk; her son, James Wayne Dillon; and her former husbands, Sammy Joe Pearson, Bruce Kennedy, and Gerald Ebersole Hineline.

She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Fae Souder and husband Andrew; her sons, Mark Allan Dillon and wife Toyia, and Sammy Joe Pearson II and wife April; her grandchildren, Brandon Hensley and wife Rachel, Elizabeth Dillon, Ashlee Montgomery, Chloe Dillon, Kinley Dillon, Reagan Griffin, Reagan Pearson, and Alexandria Pearson; her great-grandchildren, Tristan Hensley, Avery Montgomery, and Brynn Hensley; her former husband, Roger Dale Dillon; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her hospice team from Amedisys — Lynn, Leslie, Maria, Tiffany, and others — as well as the nursing team and staff at Brookdale Lake Brazos Assisted Living. Special thanks also to her cherished friends and extended family, including Kaye, Barbara, Carrie, Elizabeth, Jeff, Karla, Rocky, Tama, Tommy, Darrell, and Joan, for their exceptional care, love, and support. Your kindness meant more than words can express.

Linda will be remembered for her gentle heart, her resilience, her devotion to family, and her lifelong spirit of service. Her love lives on in all who were blessed to know her.