Linda was born in New Albany, Mississippi, the youngest child of Edgar and Maude Carter. She was preceded in death by her parents and her four siblings: Paul Carter of Carthage, TX; Lamar Carter of Lumberton, TX; Ritha Williams Hensley of Berea, KY; and Mary Ellen Luter of Jacksonville, FL. Born only a year apart, Linda and Mary Ellen would grow to be the best of friends. Mary Ellen would ultimately pass away on December 16, 2023, exactly one month prior to Linda’s ascension to heaven.
Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Carl Thornton, Jr., of Collierville, TN; her daughter, Sheila Thomas (Barry), of Eads, TN; and her son, David Thornton (Connie), of Eads, TN.
She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Candice Pashby Kay (Joey), Cassie Garner (Brandon), Caitlin Webb, Hunter Reid (Kaitlyn), and Sean Thornton (Lauren); her six great grandchildren: Lucas Salmon, Preston Pashby, Paisley Pashby, Posey Pashby, Whimsy Garner, and Bodhi Webb; her four “bonus” great grandchildren: Mikalah Garner, Peyton Garner, Sloan Kay, and Greer Kay; her nephew, Michael Luter (LeaAnn); and her two nieces, Deborah Bruening (Michael) and Barbara Manuel (Lester).
She is preceded in death by her grandson-in-law, Jason Pashby, and her nephew, Greg Luter.
Linda graduated from Wood College in Mathiston, MS, where she spent two years studying piano and where she was selected to be May Queen, a campus beauty, and “Most Likely to Succeed.” She also graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in English.
Linda was very studious from a young age, teaching herself to read at the age of three. Even as a toddler, she found great joy in reading the books that her sister, Mary Ellen, brought home from school. Indeed, once Linda began her formal education, her teacher suggested that she should “skip” a grade. Although her mother refused the request, Linda’s teacher still found a job for her as a “co-teacher” who would assist other students in the class. Linda’s love of reading never ceased throughout her life.
Linda also loved to play the piano. She spent many hours making music for her family. (It would be quite natural to hear her playing upon walking through the front door). She especially loved to play hymns and carols at Christmas time. Her family will forever cherish these memories.
Linda was also a very successful and dedicated real estate agent for Reid Realtors, where she spent many years selling Reid Homes. She excelled in her sales and in her generosity. It was not unusual for her to reduce her commission in order to help a young couple get into their starter home. In her work, as in other areas of her life, she always put others’ needs first.
Before working as a realtor, her past experiences included working as a teacher, a social worker, and a member of the planning commission of Bartlett, but most important to her was loving her husband, children, and grandchildren and loving the Lord. She was best known for her generosity and her sweet, selfless spirit.
Linda enjoyed studying the Bible, biblical commentaries, biblical prophecy, and other Christian literature—especially books by Dr. David Jeremiah, Dr. Robert Jeffress, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Dr. Mark Hitchcock, and Jim Cymbala. In her later years, she researched and wrote many biblical essays. She was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church, and she also loved to watch recordings of Adrian Rogers in his Love Worth Finding ministry.
Linda was truly one of a kind. She has a special place in our hearts and will be deeply missed.
