Linda Young

Linda Parker Young, 76, of Tampa, Florida, passed peacefully on August 31st, surrounded by her two sons, James and Chris, her oldest grandson Oliver, and her granddaughter Elizabeth. She faced her health challenges with courage and her signature positive spirit, and departed this life with faith, grace, and peace in her Lord.

Born in Dallas, Texas, on November 24, 1948, Linda was adopted by Lawrence and Dorothy Martin. Her mother ran a beauty salon in their home, and Linda grew up a true southern belle, with Shirley Temple curls and charm. She was a majorette in high school, and education was always deeply important to her.

Linda married Thomas Young and together they had three sons: Thomas, James, and Chris. In 1978, the family moved to Boise, Idaho, where Linda devoted herself to raising her boys. Being a stay-at-home mother was one of her greatest joys, and she could always be found cheering them on in sports, school, and outdoor adventures.

In 1988, Linda relocated to Florida with her two youngest sons. Over the years, she worked in a variety of fields where her hard work and adaptability shone. She loved the sunshine, gardening, and traveling, and she embraced the independence that allowed her to pursue new experiences. Linda remained a devoted friend, keeping in touch with many from her high school days throughout her life.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She especially treasured the year her granddaughter Elizabeth lived with her at age nine—a bond that remained strong and cherished. Though she lived in several states, Linda’s heart always led her back to South Tampa, where she made her home in her later years.

Faith was central to Linda’s life. She read and shared scripture often and always found a church community wherever she lived. She had a gift for fellowship, extending warmth and southern hospitality to neighbors and friends alike. In her final days, she formed a special friendship with a caregiver who became like family, and to him the family offers their deepest gratitude.

Linda’s lifelong friend Sharon Dyer Cox remembers her as “the kindest and most gentle person—always upbeat, even during hard times. She was loved by all of us who knew her in high school, and will be greatly missed by her SOC ’67 classmates.”

Fiercely independent and endlessly kind, Linda built family not just through blood, but through the many friends she welcomed into her life. She lived simply so that others might simply live, embodying generosity and love until the end.

Linda is preceded in death by her beloved firstborn son, Thomas, whom she held close in her heart. She is survived by her sons James and Chris; grandchildren Oliver, Elizabeth, Sam, and Grey; and great-granddaughter Paisley.

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.