Linda Ellis Darphin

The aim of Linda’s life was to know Christ and make Him known. Much of her life’s core work in ushering the Kingdom of God on Earth, as in Heaven, was through her innate spiritual gifts of discernment and hospitality. 

Linda was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, friend, physical therapist, and mentor. She was deeply influenced by her faith and her upbringing. She loved life. She threw a great party and enjoyed showing people love and beauty. 

Linda Ellis Darphin passed away February 24th, 2024 after a long battle with Ovarian Cancer. Linda was born April 29, 1959 to Robert and Dortha Mae Ellis in Biloxi, MS. Growing up, Linda lived across the world from Germany to Nevada and Kansas which fostered a love for travel and adventure. The family returned to D’Iberville where she graduated high school. Linda graduated from University of Southern Mississippi and completed Physical Therapy school at UMMC. She completed post graduate studies in Manual Therapy. She was the first instructor with IWS, the first female partner at Baton Rouge Physical Therapy, and spent years working at PT Center of Ocean Springs. She was passionate about mentoring and helped countless students establish physical therapy careers.

Linda married George Earl Darphin and raised their family in Baton Rouge and Ocean Springs. Daughters, Hannah and Hallie and son, Parker brought her immense joy and pride. Linda was deeply involved in her church First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge and First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs. She served as an elder with First Presbyterian Ocean Springs and led the church’s Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts as well as being an integral part of many building and community development projects at the church. Her love of community and Christ extended to her serving on medical missions in Belize. Linda was a founding board member for Young Life Ocean Springs and served on the board of the Gulf Coast YMCA. Never one to miss an opportunity to share the love of Christ through hospitality, she often joined together with friends to host, cook, and utilize her skills as a Master Floral Designer to bring life and beauty to countless events for various groups and ministries.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Dortha Mae Ellis; and brother, Larry Ellis.

Survived by Father, Robert Ellis; husband, Earl Darphin; children, Hannah (Kyle) Darphin-Foster, Hallie (Gus) Brand, and Parker Darphin; grandson, Murphy Brand; brothers, Ron (Lisa) Ellis and Scott Ellis; adopted family, Michael and Kristin Dees; grandchildren, Beau Ryan, Brighton, and Noah Dees; and lifelong best friends Cindy Elder, Dorinda Fayard, and Twila Rosonet. 

A special thanks to Dr. Michael Finan, Christina Metz, the wonderful staff at the Singing River Cancer Center, Dorota Dominey, Beth Koger, Tamela Gartman, Sarah Brouckaert, Michele Harris and all the wonderful friends and family who poured out their love over the last four years.

The scriptures teach us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Linda always placed her treasure in the things of the Kingdom of God. Her heart now resides in the Place and with the One she served. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to YoungLife Ocean Springs at this link: https://giving.younglife.org/s/?GiftType=Area&Name=msgulfcoast&AppealCodeId=70141000000tvBDAAY&MissionUnitId=a2s410000002vdFAAQ&MissionUnitName=MS%20Gulf%20Coast&ClassCodeId=a2j41000000Nj93AAC&ClassCodeName=Operating

The funeral service will be held in the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs on Friday, March 1, 2024.  Visitation will begin at 10 AM and the service will follow at noon.  A reception will be held immediately after the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Linda Darphin.