Linda Brown Coker was born Linda Ann Brown on April 25, 1944. She went to heaven peacefully surrounded by her family on July 14, 2021. Linda was the 2nd child of Phonzie and June Brown and the 11th of 17 grandchildren of George and Clara LaPlant. She was the 3rd grandchild of Clyde and Avis Brown. She graduated Valedictorian of East Prairie High School in 1962. She was the head baton twirler in high school.
She attended Memphis State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting & Management in 1968. She was also Head baton twirler & majorette while pursuing her degree.
In September of 1967 she married Barry D. Coker of Rienzi, MS. They were devoted member of the Memphis British Car Club. They resided in Cordova, TN until 2000. They also attended Covenant United Methodist Church. They had one child Shannon Haynes in 1972. Linda attended & sang in the choir at Lindenwood Christian Church from 1995 – 2000.
Linda held various positions at MLG&W. She worked her way up to becoming the highest-ranking female at MLG&W when she obtained the position Manager of Purchasing, Contracts & Stores. She retired in 2000. She furthered her career as the Executive Director of NAUUD in 2000-2015. She was the first woman to head the UPMG group as well.
She is survived by her daughter Shannon Haynes (David) & Sabrina Haynes her granddaughter. She is also survived by her brother Phonzie Brown Jr. (Nezalee) of Nashville, TN. She is loved by many on the Laplant, Brown & Coker family. Her parents June & Phonzie Brown preceded her in death.
We will have a Celebration of Life at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens located at 3700 N. Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133 @ 2 pm on Sunday August 1, 2021. Visitation one hour before the service. Drinks & Snacks served after.
In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Research Hospital, ASPCA or American Cancer Society.
