Lynda Punzo Blackburn
June 3, 1946 - November 29, 2024

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Lynda Punzo Blackburn, age 78 of Sevierville, TN, and recently of Monticello, AR, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at Baptist Health North Little Rock. She was born June 3, 1946, in New Orleans, LA 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 6th 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, TN; two daughters, Sheila Dee Ann French and spouse Jane of New Orleans, LA and Monica Sims and spouse Chris of Monticello; one brother, Kerry Punzo and spouse Becky of Metairie, LA (nephew, Paul Punzo); one grandson, James Backes Sims; along with numerous cousins.
Honoring Lynda’s wishes, there will be no service.
You can sign Lynda’s guestbook registry on this page. Memorials may be made to friendsofthesmokies.org.