She was born on a warm September day, in Gravel Ridge, Arkansas on September 30, 1936 and she already had a big brother, who she later called Bobby and tried to go every where he went. She jumped from an airplane to celebrate both her 50th and 70th birthdays; played competitive tennis into her 70's; helped start seminars for x-ray technicians in the four-state area; traversed the Nile in Egypt the Amazon in Peru and the Rhine River in Germany and walked on the Appalachian Trail with her cousin Jimmy Green, spent some time at Space Camp in Alabama, also spent time at Angola State Prison in Lousiana, maintained close connections with beloved family and friends. She lived with a zest for life and a love for others. Linda Ann Rowland White slipped away to heaven on September 7, 2017.
Born on September 30, 1936 in Gravel Ridge, Arkansas, to Troy Rowland and Ann Lou Smith Rowland, she went to school in Hermitage and Camden before moving to Texas in the eighth grade. She graduated from Hooks High School in 1954 where she was a cheerleader and elected Best All-Around Girl. Later she married her high school sweetheart Bob White and had one child, Patrick (Rusty) White.
“I was always proud to be a young mother and then grandmother. Rusty and I grew up together! I adore my two grandchildren, Dylan and Brittan. When I could, I would take them to school until they could drive so I could have the extra time with them. Dylan and I played tennis together once a week until he was grown and I took both of them on many out-of-state trips,” said Linda.
Always active for causes in which she believed, Linda’s memberships included First Baptist Church Moore’s Lane, Lone Star Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Albert Pike Chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy, Wadley Auxiliary and Guild, Reach to Recover Counselor for American Cancer Society, Dogwood Garden Club, charter member Women for the Arts, National Rifle Assn. with over 20 years concealed carry license in Bowie County and Texarkana Republican Women’s Club. Organized and presented countining education seminars, along with her friend, Regina Welch, for the X-Ray technicians in the Four States area.
Survivors are her son, Patrick (Rusty) White and wife Holly of Pittsburg, Texas; grandson, Dylan White and wife Julia of Dallas; granddaughter, Brittan White Jumper and husband Russell also of Dallas, brother, Dr. Robert Rowland and wife Barbara of San Angelo, Tx., two great-grandchildren, Caroline and Luke Jumper of Dallas; her significant other, Billy George Thorton, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends.
Memorial service will be 2pm on September 23, 2017 led by Chris Shupe at Moore’s Lane First Baptist Church. East Funeral Home-Moores Lane is in charge of arrangements. Service will be in the Atrium of the church.
Linda’s ashes will be buried beside her Mother’s grave at the Sandy Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Jersey, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Homebound Ministeries at Moore’s Lane First Baptist Church.
The family expresses appreciation to Janie Cook, Sherry Mills, Rena Wiggins, Deborah Moore, Hollie Drumm, Nichole Boone, Crystal Linares, Kelli Lacefield, Kalyn Hasley, Roxie Ratliff and Dierkson Hospice for their excellent care of Linda.
Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
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