Born on December 28, 1946, in Beaumont, Texas, Linda was the daughter of the late Gordon Evans Thomas and Helen Faye (Barrett) Thomas. She attended Edwards Elementary, James Bowie Junior High, and graduated from French High School. Linda earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in Education, and Administrative Certificate—all from Lamar University. She went on to dedicate her life to teaching and mentoring generations of students. Her career in education spanned over 33 years at Vidor ISD, where she served as a teacher, coach of girls’ volleyball, basketball, and track, and principal. She also served as assistant principal and principal at Oak Forest Elementary School, demonstrating her dedication to educational leadership. Linda’s heart for children and her unwavering commitment to their growth left a lasting impact. Even years after they left her classroom or team, former students would joyfully greet her in public with, “Hey Coach Thomas!” — a testament to the many lives she inspired through education.
Linda was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Bevil Oaks, where her faith and fellowship were central to her life. She served faithfully as the church secretary and was the church librarian for over 30 years. She also taught Sunday School for eight years, sharing her knowledge of scripture and her heart for teaching in yet another meaningful way. Her commitment to her church family was steady and wholehearted — whether through her service roles or simply offering encouragement to others. Her strong faith and gentle spirit were evident in the way she served, and her presence at church was a steady and uplifting light to all who knew her there.
She shared an especially close bond with her beloved mother, Helen, who was her best friend and constant companion. Linda also enjoyed working in her yard, cultivating plants, and taking pride in the beauty she grew.
She was a loving big sister, a cherished aunt known affectionately as “Nina” to her nieces and nephews, a committed educator, a dear friend, and above all, a faithful woman of God. Her warmth, strength, and steadfast spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In Linda’s own heartfelt words, "God directed my whole life, He opened windows that I thought were nailed shut. He made a way when there seemed to be no way." Now, Linda has gone on to where she longed to be — with her Savior and dearest friend, Jesus, watching over each of her beloved family members.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Helen Thomas; her sister, Trisha Cherry; and her brother, Steven Thomas. She is survived by her brother, Wayne Thomas and his wife Laurie; sister in Love Gladys Thomas, nephew Will Thomas and his wife Christie, niece Stephanie Toms and her husband Jeff, nephew Ryan Thomas and his wife Lacy, niece Tara Triana and her husband Wayne, nephew Shane Thomas and his wife Ashley, nephew Josh Cherry and his wife Christin, niece Shylee Hunt and her husband Andrew, and great nephews and nieces that include Gabe, Nathan, Conrad, Nolan, Landon, Sherman, Eva, Worthey, Thomas, Colton, Kenzie, Karlee, Theo, Hunter, Brooklee and Handen.
Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Thomas, Will Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Shane Thomas, Wayne Triana, and Andrew Hunt. Honorary pallbearers include Henry Heyduck, Kyle Bess, Mike Carter, Dr. Jerry Peacock, Johnny Johnson, Winston Coates, Charles Rice, Don Taylor, and all her former athletes.
Linda’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. The legacy she leaves behind lives on in every life she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to her beloved church First Baptist Church Bevil Oaks (7725 Sweetgum Rd Beaumont, Texas 77713.)
