Linda Sue Hart

Mrs. Linda Downey-Hart, a loving wife and mother entered into eternal and peaceful rest on August 14, 2011, after an extended illness. Born in the lower Rio Grande Valley area near Corpus Christi, Texas, on November 8, 1946, she was the first born to parents Mr. William C. Downey and Mrs. Marie L. Gusich Downey, who preceded her in death. A proud native of the lower Rio Grande Valley, Linda Downey-Hart displayed a thirst for knowledge at an early age. An aspiring and talented youth, Linda was a high-achiever who participated in numerous school activities. A popular teen who starred in various roles, she was a proud graduate of Edcouch-Elsa High School. Linda was recognized for her musical talent and she fondly recalled participating in the concert and marching bands. Her greatest musical achievement was being promoted to first chair and serving as soloist in the high school band when she was a seventh grader. As a rule, this exceptional assignment was customarily reserved for upper classmen. At an early age, Mrs. Downey-Hart graduated from Texas A & I University (presently Texas A & M University), with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in History. Correspondingly, she later graduated from Lamar University with a Master of Science Degree in Supervision and a minor in Special Education. Mrs. Downey-Hart also attended Texas Southern University where she was enrolled in several post-graduate classes. Preceding her transfer to Southland/Thompson as a third and fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Downey-Hart served as a third grade teacher at Langston Elementary. Moreover, she directed the Reading Center at Southland/Thompson and served for a period of time, as the Resource teacher. In later years, she became the Computer Technologist at Thompson, an assignment she thoroughly enjoyed. For several years, Linda also served as Title 1 Coordinator and assisted with grant writing. She often volunteered and remained at school late at night assisting her principal. Mrs. Linda Downey-Hart was married to the love of her life, Mr. Frank Hart. They had one son, but lovingly reared her cousin’s three children following a tragic automobile accident. The family attended St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church in Third Ward. Mrs. Downey-Hart was a multi-level educator for a total of thirty-seven (37) years in the Houston Independent School District, thirty-four (34) of which she served at Southland/Thompson. She loved children, school, teaching, and planning for special events. She was secretary of the Shared Decision Making Team (SDMT) and was instrumental in assisting with Thompson’s School Improvement Plans (SIP). Throughout her career, she adored being a supportive faculty team member. Mrs. Downey-Hart leaves to cherish her memories a loving husband, Frank Hart; a loving son, Nicholas Hart; a brother, John Downey; her loyal children, Shelia, Scott, and Jerrod Baker; grandchildren, Nikko Hart, Aniaya Baker; and a host of faithful relatives and dear friends.