Linda lived in Baytown, Sulphur Springs and Lubbock, Texas and in New York. She graduated from East Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Linda was a majorette in the Pride Marching Band, and a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She also received her Master of Education in Administration at Texas A&M University - Commerce.
Linda taught school in New York and in Texas at Lubbock ISD, Sulphur Springs ISD and Canton ISD. She developed the Early Childhood Program in Sulphur Springs as well as the 2nd Grade Gifted and Talented Program at Canton Elementary School. Linda was named Teacher of the Year at Canton Elementary School in 2010-2011. Her dedication to coaching UIL in Storytelling and in High School Debate and organizing Spelling Bees was only a small part of what made her an exceptional teacher. She was also a 4-H Leader for over 20 years and was named 4-H Leader of the Year 2004-2005.
After she retired from teaching in 2011, Linda stayed busy teaching baton twirling and tutoring elementary and intermediate school students. She received the award for City of Canton Citizen of the Year in 2019. She also enjoyed writing letters of encouragement, and visiting her daughters, even following Lauren wherever she lived around the world. She loved traveling around Europe and the Middle East visiting numerous countries in her lifetime.
Linda was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Canton, Texas and was very active in church activities. Teaching Youth Sunday school was a special joy to her. Linda was an active member of Women on Mission and had a big heart for missions, especially when she traveled to minister in the Middle East. Linda was a blessing to everyone she met. She had a great love for the Lord and her family. She will be dearly missed and remembered by her loving family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Esther Palmer.
Linda is survived by her daughters and son in-laws: Lacey and Patrick McCaslin, Lauren and Ross Browning; granddaughter, Lottie Browning; step granddaughters, Caroline and Cathryn Browning; sister and brother in-law, Melanie and Jim Marple; nieces and their husbands, Cara and Eric Buddenbohn; and Monica and Adam Reolfi; and nephews and their wives, Dan and Cherilyn Marple; and Andy and Nichole Marple; cousins, Charlie and Ruth Mitchell; and numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins; and a multitude of friends.
Linda will be laid to rest at Memory Park in Longview, Texas on November 11, 2025.
In lieu of flowers the family request you please donate in Linda's honor to Lottie Moon Missions through First Baptist Church of Canton.
