WAURIKA, Okla. (BP)–Linda T. Dorrough, president of Woman’s Missionary Union of Oklahoma, was lauded during a memorial service for the example she set while battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Dorrough, 43, died Jan. 12.
“I remember my first impression of Linda — what a vibrant, enthusiastic woman, obviously called by God to serve others,” said Wanda S. Lee, executive director/treasurer of national WMU, told the Jan. 16 memorial service at First Baptist Church in Waurika, Okla. “Her radiant smile and contagious laugh put people at ease immediately.”
Whenever their paths crossed at various WMU events, Lee said, “I came away with an awareness of her tremendous leadership skills and deep love for the Lord and His mission.”
Noting that the role of WMU state presidents is very demanding, Lee said they travel and speak to churches, teach missions conferences, strategize about how to encourage churches to focus on the Great Commission, and serve on the board for national WMU.
“Linda never lost sight of His call to serve Him and to lead others to serve Him as well,” Lee said. “Her example of faithful service in the midst of overwhelming challenges inspired so many to keep the call in their own lives. She truly was and will continue to be a person of great influence because she faithfully kept His call to her final day.”
Kaye Miller, national WMU president, served for years alongside Dorrough. She made special note of Dorrough’s ability to encourage others to follow God’s call to serve others.
“Linda’s enthusiasm, determination and desire to make a difference for God’s Kingdom will live on forever through lives that have been touched by her,” Miller said in a WMU news release. “Her strength, courage, sweet spirit and faithful service are a beautiful testimony to God’s faithfulness.”
Besides serving as the president of Oklahoma WMU, Dorrough also served as associational WMU director and started WMU organizations for all age levels in many churches. She also served as an adult Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School director at First Baptist in Waurika, where her husband, Audie, serves as pastor.
She participated in international mission trips to Peru and Rome in addition to mission projects around Oklahoma and in her community. She utilized her skills in public speaking, singing and drama to encourage others and share what God was doing in her life and the life of her family.
“I’m grateful for Linda’s determined purpose to challenge women to love missions,” Kelly King, women’s missions and ministries specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, said in the WMU release. “She will be greatly missed among WMU leaders in Oklahoma and around the world.”
A private family service the morning of Jan. 16 preceded the public memorial service that afternoon at First Baptist.
In addition to her husband, Dorrough is survived by her daughter Brandi Dorrough Scott and son Aaron.
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