Linda Lou Garner

Linda Lou Garner, 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 23, 2026, in Tyler, Texas. Linda was born November 15, 1939, in Jacksboro, Texas to Clarence Clifton and Maudena (Cannon) McClurg. She married Albert Garner, Sr. on June 8, 1974, in Bridgeport, Texas, and became an instant “mother” to Albert, Jr. and Sonja and fulfilled that role very well.

Upon graduation from high school in 1958 as valedictorian, Linda first attended Decatur Baptist Junior College, completed her undergraduate studies at East Texas Baptist University, and her graduate studies at North Texas State University with a master’s in education. She served as an Elementary School Teacher in Bridgeport and Irving, Texas, before retiring in 1984. Linda and Al were long-term residents on Cedar Creek Lake in East Texas.

Linda’s faith was very important to her, and she accepted Christ at a young age and served the Lord faithfully. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and had a way of making Christmas time special! Linda enjoyed traveling with her parents and college friends and was generous and kindhearted. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Clarence Edwin McClurg; and her nephew Gerald McClurg.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband of 51 years Albert Garner, Sr. of Mabank, Texas; her son Albert Garner, Jr. of Bokeelia, Florida; her daughter Sonja Secrest and husband, Eddy, of Flint, Texas; her granddaughter Alicia Lowery and husband, Preston, of Alba, Texas; her grandson A.J. Secrest and wife, Hannah, of Tyler, Texas; her great-grandchildren Emily Secrest, Kason Lowery, Kanyon Lowery, Sylvia Secrest, Kolter Lowery, and Heidi Secrest; her sister-in-law Elizabeth McClurg; a niece JoAnn; and a nephew Steve.

Linda's family would like to express their most sincere appreciation to the staffs of Meadow Lake of Tyler and Kindfull Health Hospice of Tyler for the exceptional care and compassion provided to Linda.

A graveside service will be conducted on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Eubank Cedar Creek Memorial Park in Mabank, Texas. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.