ARIZONA LINKOUS

Arizona Fleming Linkous, 94, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Wise Heritage Hall.

She was born to Tivis C. Fleming and Mary Hattie Hibbitts Fleming on Georges Fork of Clintwood, Virginia.

She and her family moved to Wise, Virginia in 1968. She was a homemaker and co-owner and operator of Carriage Hill Motel & Restaurant and attended Wise Trinity Methodist Church where she was a member.

She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and devoted friend.

She enjoyed Sunday drives, visiting her friends and talking on the phone. Watching WCYB Channel 5 lineup of Judge Judy, the news, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were part of her evening routine. Sitting on the porch with her coffee, admiring her flowers, watching the hummingbirds, deer and the occasional bear gave her much enjoyment.

She loved to share her flowers and homemade goodies. She was known for her chocolate pie, old timey molasses stack cake, chicken and dumplings, and homemade soup. Teddy Bear Sunflowers, roses and peonies were her favorite flowers. She also enjoyed displaying her antique dishes and old family photos.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. They enjoyed spending the night with her and listening to her stories of growing up on Georges Fork.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Robert R. Linkous; infant daughter, Cynthia Hattie Linkous; sisters, Virdie Browning, Mae Stanley, Marie Mawhinney, and Martha Potter; and brothers, Thelmar “Bebo”, Dillard and Don.

She is survived by three daughters, Sharon Neece and husband Oscar, Barbara Collins and husband Stan, and Wendy Linkous, all of Wise, VA; two sons, Robert E. Linkous and wife Ronda of Big Stone Gap, VA and Joseph S. Linkous and wife Teresa of Glen Allen, VA; five sisters, Virgie Childress (age 105) of Purcellville, VA, Vivian Mullins and Lillian Drewett, both of Kingsport, TN, Georgia Strong of Illinois and Roberta Fleming of Clintwood, VA; Eleven grandchildren, Michael Neece, Ashley Collins, Michael Hobson, Justin Collins, Chelsea Evans, Susanna Taylor, Melody Cantrell, Taylor Mey, Seth Vanover and Brooke Coleman; ten great-grandchildren, Rheagan “Arizona” Sullivan, Jake Collins, Raylan Collins, Jack Evans, Harper Evans, Dante Vanover, Winter Rose Vanover, Azreal Lane, Yara Mey, Hudson Surbrook, Gray Cantrell, Marshall Cantrell, Taylor Sanders, Jordan Sanders and Jillian Taylor; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arizona’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Heritage Hall in Wise for the excellent care she received during her stay. It was comforting for the family to witness the compassion shown by the nursing staff during her more than two years there, as the dignity and respect embodied in the facility’s entire staff. A special thanks is extended to her longtime caregiver, Lisa Barnette, for her efforts to make Arizona comfortable and Caris Hospice made the last days much easier for Arizona and the family.

Funeral services for Arizona Linkous were conducted at 7:00 P.M. Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, VA with Pastor Phillip Bates officiating. Family received friends from 5:00 P.M. till time of services at 7:00 P.M. Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. Graveside committal services and burial will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in the Forrest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery on Tuesday for services.

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.