Lynda Punzo Blackburn, 78

Lynda Punzo Blackburn, 78, of Sevierville, Tenn., and recently of Monticello, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at Baptist Health North Little Rock. She was born June 3, 1946, in New Orleans to the late Paul Joseph Punzo and Hilda Marie Backes Punzo.
Lynda lived in Saudi Arabia for 15 years where her husband Freeman worked for Saudi ARAMCO. During that time, she traveled the world. Her love for travel started during her childhood as a Navy brat, experiencing the world through various deployments with her father from Hawaii to Alaska and several bases around the United States.
She was a housewife who was dedicated to her children and husband. Lynda loved to entertain and create different menus for each event. A gourmet cook, Lynda loved serving various cuisines and was an avid cookbook reader. While overseas she was a long-time member of the UDHAILIYAH Women's Group and held the role of president for several terms. As president, one of the projects she organized was the creation of a local cookbook called Jebel Jewels.
She was very proud of her New Orleans roots and traditions. It didn't matter where she lived, if it was Mardi Gras, she was dressed in purple, green, and gold and listening to jazz music. To keep those NOLA traditions going in her family, she always sent a King Cake on January 6 to her daughters and grandson.
Lynda loved being retired in the Great Smoky Mountains and became a devout member of Friends of the Smokies, a preservation group.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Freeman E. Blackburn of Sevierville, Tenn.; two daughters, Sheila Dee Ann French (Jane) of New Orleans, and Monica Sims (Chris) of Monticello; one brother, Kerry Punzo  (Becky) of Metairie, La. (nephew, Paul Punzo); one grandson, James Backes Sims; along with numerous cousins.
Honoring Lynda's wishes, there was no service.