Linda Dean Mulhern

Ret. MSGT Linda Dean Mulhern, a cherished matriarch and a dedicated member of the United States Air Force, passed away after a brief illness on October 29, 2025. Born on September 7, 1951, in Orangeburg, S.C., Linda lived a life woven with love, service, and proud accomplishments.

With a steadfast commitment to her country, Linda dedicated twenty years to the United States Air Force, retiring on April 1, 1990. It was here that she found her beloved husband, Edward "Ed" Mulhern, with whom she shared thirty-eight beautiful years. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, faith in Jesus Christ, and their legacy continues to echo in the hearts of their family. She was a long-time member of Double Branch Baptist Church of Nesses.

Linda's greatest pride came from her role as a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Tara (Mark) Shelley of Georgetown, S.C., and her son, Ryan (Abby) Mulhern of Waxhaw, N.C. Her grandchildren—Samuel (Sara) Shelley of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Jonathan (Sotera) Shelley of El Paso, TX, Alayna Shelley of Georgetown, and Rory and Riley Mulhern of Waxhaw, N.C.—were the light of her life. Each moment spent with them solidified her identity as a "Grandma," a title she wore with honor and deep affection. She was blessed with great-grandchildren, Antonio Shelley of El Paso, TX and Lucille Shelley of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., who brought additional joy to her heart.

In addition to her immediate family, Linda leaves behind her sister, Elaine (Sublett) McAlhany, and her brother, Charles (Linette) Spires, who will forever treasure the memories of her radiant spirit. She also had a loving sister-in-law, Annette Spires, and a devoted brother-in-law, Ray (Maryanne) Mulhern, along with nieces and nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly.

While Linda has departed from this world, she is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Quitman and June Spires, her cherished husband Ed, her brother Gene Spires, and her sister-in-law Joanne Wood.

Linda had a deep love for the mountains, and in her travels, she found peace and joy in sharing experiences with family, and especially with her sister, Elaine. Those who knew her will remember not just her military accomplishments, but the warmth of her smile, the strength of her spirit, her faith in her Lord Jesus Christ, and the compassion she shared with everyone around her.

A graveside service will be held at Double Branch Baptist Church in Orangeburg, S.C., on November 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM, where family and friends will gather to celebrate the remarkable life of Linda Dean Mulhern.

Though her physical presence may be gone, Linda's legacy of love, commitment, and family will remain forever etched in the hearts she touched. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the honor of knowing her.