Linda grew up in the small town of Columbus, where she met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Tommy Blair. This led to many dates dancing the night away at Swiss Alps. Their devoted love grew immensely through college, and they married at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on July 26,1969. They raised two loving daughters together, Carissa and De’Aun.

After graduating from Columbus High School Linda attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. She graduated with a bachelor’s in education and was a member of the coveted “Strutters” dance team. Linda began her thirty-six-year teaching career at Randolph Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas teaching first grade. Shortly after, she returned to her hometown of Columbus and was a beloved first-grade teacher at Columbus Elementary School until her retirement in 2005. She had a true passion for teaching and was dedicated to the success of her students.

After retirement, Tommy and Linda enjoyed exploring and taking in the sites of this beautiful country in their RV with family and friends. Linda was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters.

Linda is survived by her loving husband of fifty-four years, Tommy Blair; two daughters Carissa Cox and husband Philip, and De’Aun Emmons and husband Branden; six grandchildren Blair Cox, Brooke Cox, Sarah Cox, Logan Cox, Asher Emmons, and Zayn Emmons. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4 from 5-7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A parish prayer service and Catholic Daughter rosary will follow at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, PO Box 669, Columbus, Texas 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.