Linda was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the oldest of six children in a close-knit family. She was preceded in death by her sister Nancy Tyler. She is survived by siblings Mike Haskins, Susan Robinson, Gary Haskins, and David Haskins. A devoted mother, she leaves behind her children Karen Flowers and John Walls. She was preceded in death by her daughter Susan Elizabeth Gaines. She was a proud grandmother to Lauren Clardy, Clayton Gaines, and Olivia Gaines, and a loving great-grandmother to Konner Clardy, Kinsley Turnage, and Lila Clark.
Linda lived life with boundless energy, a joyful spirit, and a genuine love for people. She enjoyed traveling, discovering new restaurants, listening to live music, attending Broadway shows, and making new friends wherever she went. She seldom ventured anywhere without people greeting her with gladness. Shopping or eating out would take additional time because she would meet friends at every turn. She welcomed friends and family into her home for all manner of fun, including Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts which she prepared for over fifty years, for bon fires and hayrides in the fall, and for chili, stew, and catfish dinners. She looked for any excuse to host or attend a party. She loved playing games and played to win. She believed that bigger was always better. She loved to laugh and had a quick wit.
Linda’s professional journey reflected her determination and perseverance. She began her career as a medical secretary before returning to college to become a teacher. At the age of 38, she entered law school to pursue her life-long dream of becoming an attorney. Practicing law for 42 years, she fiercely advocated for her clients and dedicated countless hours to pro bono service, which left a lasting impact on many lives.
Throughout her distinguished legal career, Linda was an active member of the Memphis Bar Association, which honored her as a Memphis Bar Foundation Fellow for distinguished service. She served on the Board of Directors and on numerous committees, remaining regularly involved in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law, and Litigation sections.
Linda was also a dedicated member of the Memphis Chapter of the Association of Women Attorneys. She served as President of the Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women from 1999-2000 and was a member of the Community Legal Center Board of Directors. In 2002, she received the Marion Griffin-Frances Loring Award for outstanding achievement, leadership, and significant contributions to women in the legal profession.
Even after legal blindness prevented Linda from practicing law, she never stopped serving others. She established a committee at her independent living community to improve the lives of residents with visual impairments and continued connecting friends with legal resources whenever possible.
Linda’s kindness, determination, humor, and unwavering commitment to helping others touched countless lives. As one friend beautifully expressed, “The world has lost a great person.” Her legacy of love, service, and perseverance will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 155 Market St, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, on August 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by words of remembrance from 11:00 am - 11:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:15 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will follow services at Northridge Woodhaven Cemetery in Millington, Tennessee
