One Monticello Life: Linda Caldwell
February 3rd, 2008 by Joe Burgess
Most people in Monticello know Linda Caldwell. Linda has gone from being the “Mud Hut Lady”, to being “the Lady at Curves”, with a couple more “the ladies at…….” along the way.
Linda was the owner/operator of “the Mud Hut”. The Mud Hut was a ceramics shop, that used to be located behind the old Young’s BBQ, and was owned by Charlotte Robbins, when Linda started working there. The Mud Hut moved to the square, and Linda bought the business in 1982. Later, Mud Hut Ceramics was moved to HWY 35 West, where it remained until it closed in 2006.
Linda worked at “Apples & Amens” bookstore, on the square for 3 years, until she began at “Curves for Women”.
Linda has been at “Curves” for 2 years. She started just after the business opened. At Curves, she trains clients on how to operate the fitness machines, and encourages them to have “healthy lifestyles and healthy eating habits”.
Linda was raised in Crossett, Little Rock, and Lake Village. Her family moved around when she was in school, and she graduated from high school at Lake Village.
She attended UAM for 2 years, which is where she met Mr. Lamar. They have now been married for 43 years.Â
Mr. Lamar retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sargent in Warner Robbins, Georgia, back in 1977, when they moved to Monticello. During his service to our country, Lamar served in Southeast Asia, during the time of the Vietnam War. During this time period, Linda went to cosmetology school.
Mr. Lamar now works at Paint and Lighting Plus, on W. Gaines St., in sales and customer service, and helps with the bookkeeping.
The Caldwells have 2 children, Amy Caldwell-Plunkett, now living in Portland, Oregon, who is a new mom, and a part-time speach therapist at the University of Oregon.
Their son, Jason, is an engineering draftsman at SEARK Marine, here in Monticello.
Lamar and Linda are very active in Immanuel Baptist Church, on Barkada Road, where Mrs. Linda serves as their Worship Leader and Sunday School Director, as well as assisting with food pantry operations, and helping the children with music and drama.
Lamar is the sound and video engineer at Immanuel.   A friend told me how much time Lamar spends, doing things behind the scenes, that no one knows about.
When asked about pets, they both replied, “cats, cats, and cats”, but said that the only one that’s really their’s is Amy’s. But the neighborhood cats all like the Caldwell house.
Linda couldn’t pick a favorite phrase, but did tell me that her favorite Bible Scripture is Hebrews 12, verse 3.Â
It says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.Â
Linda is a “joy-filled” person. She told me that if she had to pick a different name, that she would choose “Joy”.
Her hobbies include painting, photography, yard work, gardening, and sewing.
Her favorites include……………………
Restaurant—Fortune Cookie and Ameca
TV Show—C.S.I., all of them
Movie—Chariots of Fire, then Cinderella Man
Actor—Russell Crowe and Denzell Washington
Music—50’s & 60’s oldies, and some gospel
Song—the hymn, “He Keeps Me Singing”
Book—The Bible, and then Dr. James Dobson’s “When God Doesn’t Make Sense”.
Thanks, Linda Caldwell, for sharing your “One Monticello Life.”
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They are among the most talented people I know, in many areas, and win the BEST NEIGHBOR awards!
I love you both.
bcw
I used to work at Curves with Mrs. Linda and she is absolutely one of the sweetest people I have ever met in my entire life. She and Mr. Lamar helped me so much in 2006 with my wedding and I am still so greatful to them. Monticello is truly a better town because of these 2 people.
Mrs. Linda is a wonderful person. I just love her. Her grandson and my daughter where born on the same day last year so we kinda have something in common. Keep up the good work Mrs. Linda.
You could not have found a better person to write about than Linda Caldwell. I grew up at Second Baptist church with her most of my life, and what an outstanding witness and testimony for Christ she is. She has remarkable character, and is truly a blessing to everyone she comes in contact with. Thank you Mrs. Linda for touching so many lives, and making such a difference. You are a wonderful person.
Excellent choice Joe!
Mr. Lamar and Ms. Linda are such wonderful people. They are a blessing to be around and a credit to our city. I too grew up in Second Baptist around these great folks. I have the fondest memories of these humble servents. The joy that only comes from the Lord is evident when Ms. Linda sings. Mr. Lamar taught me many things including how to run sound equipment. He is one most multi-talented men I have ever met. I am so thankful to have been influenced by people such as the Caldwells! My family and I love them both.
My sister lived across the street from the Caldwells when I was young, and I remember going to the Mud Hut all the time. When I became an adult, I attended Second Baptist Church and, once again, ran into the Caldwells. Regardless of the activity at church, one (if not both) would be involved. What great memories I have of them. They are truly the best!!!
I’ve known Linda for such a long time! She and I went to school together in Crossett and had two mutual friends..Marianne and Jeannie Estelle! She has always had a very sweet and loving spirit with a smile to match! May God Bless You, Linda! You’ve come a long way!!! Nan(Atkins)Carter
I can fondly remember afternoons when I was a young boy and my mother still taught at W.C. Whaley. I would walk down to the mud hut on many afternoons while mom finished her school duties. Mrs. Linda was always such a friendly and wonderful person to be around. As well as being super helpful in making sure all my crafts came out looking perfect. It has been ages since I last talked to her, but I am sure she is still the same sweet lady I used to know. Hope to run into you somewhere along the way Mrs. Linda!
I have known Mrs.Linda and Mr.Lamar for a looooooooooong time.I think ever sence i was in a stroller.They are some of the nicest people you can find.I have been to the Mud Hut very many times.As a matter of fact i am called the Mud Hut Angel!!It is a loooong story.Like i said they are very nice and loveing people!
Mrs Linda is one of the nicest people I met while I lived in Monticello I would spend a lot of time at the Mud Hut. She made me feel so welcome and help me to get to know a lot of people. We spend time talking about the Lord and other things . Linda you are one great person and I pray God continues to use you for His Glory through your witness and your singing.
I spent many sundays with Mrs, Linda and Mr. Lamar . What a wonderful memory. They treated me like I was one of there own. I was probably 4 or 5 when Mrs. Linda would pick me up on the purple bus. I was never more happier than to see that bus round the corner and i knew I would get a warm greeting and probably a big hug. I think these are the kind of people we need to find in more churches today. I will never forget this experience in my life. I have found very few people in this world who have inspired me so much. I wish them all the happiness in the world and please let them know I love them very much.