Linda Barron

Dr. Linda Carole Smith Barron of Brentwood, TN, born September 13, 1942, in Newton, MS, died June 3, 2015, at Alive Hospice in Nashville after dealing with five cancers during the past three years. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Jefferson Smith, Sr. of Decatur, MS; a sister, Vanessa James, Memphis; and brothers, Dr. Roy J. Smith, Jr., Stuttgart, AR, and Dr. Karl D. Smith, Selma, AL. She is survived by her husband, Allen Barron and a brother, Dr. Don L. Smith, Santa Ana, CA. Linda graduated from Decatur High School as Valedictorian and from East Central Community College as Valedictorian, both in Decatur, MS. She also graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi as Valedictorian, Hattiesburg, MS. Linda taught math at Meridian High School, Meridian, MS for two years. Then she received a Masters degree in mathematics from The University of Alabama and a PhD in mathematics from Vanderbilt University. She taught mathematics and did research in math education at Peabody College and Vanderbilt University for 35 years. Linda loved learning. She considered herself a better student than a teacher. Her real passion was Bible study. Since May 2, 2007, Linda and Allen have been residents of the Heritage at Brentwood. She loved living at The Heritage and loved her Heritage family very much. Linda loved and appreciated the Living Word Sunday School Class at Franklin First United Methodist Church. She also loved and appreciated Dr. Sonal Gupta of Franklin, and all the physicians, nurses and care partners who cared for her at Vanderbilt. Linda received excellent care at Alive Hospice in Nashville from Monday through Wednesday. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, June 7, 2015, at three o’clock in the afternoon at Woodlawn’s Dignity Hall. Officiating will be Tim Menzies, Living Word Sunday School Class teacher and Brenda Menzies, Living Word Sunday School Class president. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Sunday from two o’clock in the afternoon until the funeral hour, Woodlawn Roesch-Patton-Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Linda would be pleased by a donation to the American Bible Society, 1865 Broadway, New York, NY 10023-7505 to spread the Word. Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com.