Linda L. Brewer

Linda Lou Brewer, age 73, of Greenwood, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by her family which is exactly how she planned.

Linda spent all of her life in the Kansas City area living in both a suburb and farm setting during her formative years. She grew up surrounded by her three sisters, and their shenanigans livened up their household much to her father’s chagrin. Linda’s family often says that she was the son her father had always wanted; their close relationship allowed him to teach her all her mechanical and technical know-how. She never feared working with her hands, repairing or jury-rigging items, or repurposing items that involved extra physical effort/skills. One of Linda’s greatest joys she wanted shared was during her early life she was able to travel to California to attend horsemanship school; her experience led to a deep-seeded love and appreciation for horses.

After high school, Linda attended Graceland College where she found many life-long friends. While she chose to not seek her degree, her time there was filled with joy, new experiences, friendships, and memories.

Linda joined the Lake Winnebago Police Department in 1980 and spent two years as a patrol officer. In fact, Linda was the first female police officer in Cass County.

Following her experience in the LWPD, she transferred to Lee’s Summit Police Department as a reserve officer and worked in the jail in a variety of roles. She chose to leave active policing for the dispatch department in order to remove herself from the danger that could possibly separate her from her firstborn son. Linda spent the remainder of her career being a voice behind the LS community’s 911 department where she gained many accolades and stories. She earned a “Helping solve a crime 474-TIPS hotline” award re: Kelsey Smith. She relished in the hang up calls that were clearly accidental dials during intimate moments. Linda spent over 30 years in law enforcement until her retirement in July 2013.

After her retirement she filled her favorite role as “Grammy” to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made countless trips to visit her first (and only) granddaughter in both Springfield, MO and Springfield, IL in order to create a lasting bond for both of them. Linda thrived in her role as Grammy and bragged about all her grands whenever she could; their successes were her own sense of accomplishment as playing a role in their genetic existence and the parenting her two sons provided for their children. While Linda loved being a boy mom, she loved her Grammy role even more. She spent countless hours on video calls with her granddaughter Rydia basking in her joy and curiosity. The birth of her grandsons, Callister and Cyrus, created an advocacy in nuerodivergency in children; she supported both sons as they raised sons who had both been diagnosed with Autism. She loved her grandsons completely and proudly celebrated each of their milestones as they grew. Linda was also thrown into a grandmotherly role when her oldest son married his wife who had a son from her previous marriage. Linda didn’t blink an eye when she called Nicholas her grandson; she never even included the word “step” in her description of his role in her life because he instantly became family. When he had two daughters of his own, she called them her great-grandchildren and treated them no differently than her own grandchildren. Her love and affection never spread thin, and she finally got her wish of having a large family of children to call her own.

Linda bravely faced lung cancer during her 73rd year of life. She rocked at completing both chemotherapy and immunotherapy and stood strong as faced surgery that removed one-third of her lung to permanently expel what was left of the cancer within her body. Beating cancer twice was an accomplishment for which Linda was proud and hopeful.

It cannot go without saying that Linda Lou was most famed for her love of all things Christmas. She left her Christmas tree up year-round and decorated an entire wall with Santa Claus photos, paintings, and drawings. She unabashedly wore Christmas attire year-round. Her children often joked that Linda was waiting for Santa to come sweep her off her feet. And don’t forget how she treated every day like Christmas as seen in her loving and giving personality.

Linda’s departure from this life will be felt for ages by not only her family but a large community of friends and community that she touched within her life in Lee’s Summit. The lady couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone she knew; this social dynamic reveals her impact and loyalty running deep. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Linda was born on August 8, 1952, to Charles Harry and Jean Carol (MacDonald) Carswell in Independence, MO. She is survived by her sons, Courtney (and Nikki) Brewer, Charles (and Stacy) Brewer; four grandchildren, Rydia, Callister, Cyrus, and Nicholas (and Rice), two great grandchildren, Ember and Aura Rice; three sisters, Joanne (and Stedman) Calvarese, Sherre (and Roger) Bowlby, and Robin Roberts; her beloved dog, Shorty Jingles, and an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Jean Carswell, her husband, Christopher Roc Brewer, and her beloved stillborn son, Cal James Brewer.

Linda will be deeply missed and forever remembered for all the good, the love, and the humor she added to each of our lives.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Linda requested that attendees wear Christmas or Christmas colors for the service as she wanted this to be a celebration and not a sad occasion.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550