Linda Carol Maples

Linda Carol Maples of Halls Crossroads passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 17, after years of fighting ovarian cancer. She was 62. Known by family and friends as Carol, she is survived by her husband of 23 years, Danny Maples, her sons and their spouses, Jake and Madison Taylor and Zack and Laney Lawson, and her grandson, Hutton Taylor. She is also survived by her mother, Anne Chambers, and her three brothers and their spouses, Marc and Tafie Tolleson, David and Joy Tolleson, and Glenn Jr. and Debbie Tolleson.

Carol was born in El Paso, Texas on June 5, 1959. After graduating from Maryville High School in 1977, she earned a BSBA in accounting from the University of Tennessee and worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority until she retired in 1999 to focus on raising her sons. Later in retirement, she and Danny owned and operated Big Oak Shoes in Halls.

She was a light. Carol’s sharp wit and warm smile drew everyone to her. She loved pickleball, golf, card games, and the Tennessee Vols. Her family adored everything she cooked, especially her fried chicken. She was happiest when swapping funny stories with friends and family. But nothing made her smile more than her grandson, Hutton.

She was a devoted wife and a loving mother. Carol dedicated much of her life to raising Jake and Zack. She set high standards for them and did everything she could to help them succeed. While she encouraged their professional growth, she was most concerned with developing their faith, character, and success as sons, friends, and husbands. She always knew when her boys (including Danny) needed discipline or when they needed comfort. She loved family vacations and would meticulously plan every minute of the trip months in advance. She did not want to waste a second when she was with her family.

Above all, Carol was a follower of Jesus. Her faith eclipsed her illness. Even through her suffering, she never lost hope, and her faith never faltered. Her resilience inspired everyone around her. She was always thinking of ways to serve others, no matter what she was going through. You could count on her to help you through hard times. You still can.

Carol left this world as she lived in it—full of grace and surrounded by people who loved her. While those she leaves behind are saddened to see her go so soon, we know that, for the redeemed, death is not a punishment but a reward for a life lived righteously.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 – 7:30 pm Monday at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow. Rev. Arden Taylor and Rev. Allan Taylor will officiate. Family and friends will meet at 10:45 am Tuesday for the 11:00 am Graveside Service at Lynnhurst Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Jake Taylor, Zack Lawson, Marc Tolleson, David Tolleson, David Booth, Allen Morgan. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Brandy Maples Memorial Scholarship Fund. Credit card donations can be made at https://etf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1459, and checks can be mailed to the East Tennessee Foundation at 520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101, Knoxville, TN 37902 (make payable to Brandy Maples Memorial Scholarship Fund). Arrangements by Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918. www.berrylynnhurst.com