Linda Lea Clark Drennan

Linda Lea (Clark) Drennan was born in Alice, Texas on February 7, 1940, to Cotton Wright and Zelma Routh (Key) Clark. She entered her heavenly home on August 23, 2025, at the age of 85.

A lifelong resident of South Texas, she graduated from Alice High School in 1958. Eager to begin working, she found opportunities in the banking/accounting fields and sales. Skills she gained there became a foundation she drew upon throughout her life in both work and ministry. She met Charles Drennan, the love of her life, while working at a drug store soda fountain selling make up. They went on to marry on August 22, 1959, remaining together almost 60 years. Their five children are Pamela Turner (Jody), Joe Drennan (Lily), Shirley aka Sugy Martinez (Leo), baby boy Drennan, and Frances Ann Drennan. Their 12 grandchildren are Joseph Drennan (Ashley), Taylor Fowler (Sean), Deborah Bristow (Craig), Farrah Shaw (Stephen), Serena Alaniz (Benny), Audrey Turner, Madelyn Turner, Madison Martinez, Amanda Perez, Maddie Perez, Isabella Silva, and Ava Telemonte. Twelve great-grandchildren include Thomas, Sidney, and Sadie Fowler, Samantha, Rebecca, Tyrus and Ronen Shaw, Matthew Perez, Kacey and Joaquin Alaniz, and Tripp and Dakota Drennan.

Linda was one to encourage others to make a difference in their community, their state, and their nation. She loved her country and held those that served in high regard. She understood the importance of loving family and serving others, and how much good can be affected at the grassroot level. From our earliest years as children, she sought to teach us to be honest and to help others.

Taking pleasure in simple beauties in life, you might have found her catching rainwater, trying to grow flowers in the harsh South Texas climate, watching local athletic games, going to parades, shopping with her sister, or sending letters and cards. She will be remembered for her spunky personality and willingness to try new things, her kindness, meals she prepared for people who had to work on holidays, the many cabbage tacos she made for gatherings of family and friends, sewing for her children, giving much thought toward her grandchildren as she chose fun craft projects or cooking lessons. Linda’s life left an impact and impression on all who knew her, and her legacy will carry on through her family.

She had an eye for the future and that helped her have resolve to complete difficult projects or to try new things. As a salesperson for MaryKay Cosmetics, Avon, and Alice Echo newspaper, she took the time to understand the needs of her clients, focusing on making sure that what the company was offering was truly a service to the client. Other adventures included obtaining her CDL in her 60’s, allowing her to drive a school bus for Freer ISD. In other words, she put feet to her ideas.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Freer over the span of 50 years. Linda loved teaching the Bible to all ages. She taught children, youth, and young adults in Sunday School. Her artistic talents and creativity could be seen in her Bible study rooms during Vacation Bible School. A love for missions led her to be involved in Women’s Missionary Union and Girls in Action. Linda enjoyed singing in the church and community choirs. Part of her ministry also included being the church secretary.

She was a giver and a strong Christian woman. During her last days, she revealed to us that as a young mother she had made a promise to God that she would teach her children who Jesus is and to know Him as their Savior.

“Well, I guess I’ve done a good job . . .?”

“Yes mom, you have.”

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

She was preceded in death by her parents, CW and Zelma Clark; sisters, Shirley Clark Theile and Phyllis Clark Bowles; brother, Cotton Wright Clark Jr; her husband, Charles Drennan; daughter, Frances Drennan; and son, baby boy Drennan. She is survived by her sister, Cynthia Clark Lewis; sister-in-law, Fay Clark; three children; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Linda’s family will receive condolences on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM, at Treviño Funeral Home Alice, 120 E. Front St.; with a Celebration of Life to begin at 7:00 PM that evening. A graveside service will begin at 9:30 AM on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Hahl Cemetery in Freer, TX.

To leave your condolences for the family of Linda Lea (Clark) Drennan, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.