Linda Zell Sides

Mrs. Sides passed away May 16, 2026 in Canton. She was born July 23, 1943 in Ben Wheeler to William Penn and Zelma Bertis Mayes Cotton.

Linda was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church and the Texas Retired Teachers Association. Linda was a teacher for 35 years having worked 2 years in Mesquite and 33 years for Canton ISD. She taught English and Theater. Linda loved the theater and often incorporated performance into her English classes. She volunteered with the local community theaters, Van Zandt County Theater and Athens Little Theater, both on stage and behind the scenes. Linda also enjoyed reading, traveling whenever she could, and the company of many, many cats throughout the years.

Mrs. Sides is preceded in death by her parents, William Penn Cotton and Zelma Berits Cotton Nixon; and two uncles: Truett and Atwell Goss.

Linda is survived by her husband of 61 years, James Sides; two daughters: Shawn Sides (Graham Reynolds) and Stephanie Sides (Neal Coker); and cousins: Celia Campbell Bates, Caren Courtney, Caley Satterfield, Erica Needham Hallmark, Marcy Ann Goss and Danny Goss.

Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday at the funeral home.