Linda Jane (Robinson) Smith was born at home on her family’s farm in Bethel Springs, Tennessee on May 22, 1948, to Ben Hooper Robinson and Virginia Hortense (Parvin) Robinson, who preceded her in death. Raised in the Bethel Springs community, Linda graduated from Bethel Springs High School in 1966. She continued her education at the University of Tennessee in Martin and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and then returned to McNairy County where she became a highly respected educator, initially teaching first grade at Ramer Elementary, until she moved to McNairy Central High School where she taught Science for the better part of her vocational life. Later earning a master’s degree in education, from the University of Memphis, Linda completed her 30-year teaching career serving as a Guidance Counselor at MCHS.
Not only did she mold her students to become positive and productive people, but role models themselves. Linda also brought her gifts of supportive care to her colleagues, as well. In her final decade of teaching, Linda was a part of an “unofficial” support group of fellow educators who called themselves, the “Steel Magnolias.” Throughout the decade of the 1990’s, they met for dinner or conversations to address specific needs of students or one another. They would also celebrate the end of the school year by heading to Gulf Shores for a few days of relaxation time at the beach.
In retirement, Linda became the initiator for her circle of friends who had graduated together from Bethel Springs HS. At Linda’s initiative, the “Girls of ’66’ had their first gathering in Linda’s home and there after met monthly for dinner and fellowship. Linda’s memory and storytelling ability made their gatherings an energizing time of laughter and affirmation of their cherished connections.
Linda was a much-appreciated supporter and active participant with the Arts of McNairy. As a member of the “Needles and Pin’s” quilting group, who are best described as a “living art display,” Linda and the quilting ladies would demonstrate incredible hand stitching of quilts, which have been displayed and sold at the annual Quilt Show, hosted at the Bethel Springs Pentecostal Church and at the “Hockaday Broomcorn Festival.”
Linda departed this life peacefully at home on September 17, 2026. She will be lovingly remembered as one who valued her relationships with her family and friends. Linda is survived by a host of beloved cousins; her sister, Johnnie White of Bloomington, IN.; nephews Trey (Laura) White, and Tim (Angela) White all of Chicago, Ill.; stepdaughter, Christy (Smith) Stack and husband Curtis Stack; grandchildren, Adam Craft and David Craft; great granddaughter Kinsleigh Craft all of Toone TN, and her dear friend Norma J. Smith of Bethel Springs, TN.
Linda was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Selmer, the McNairy County Retired Teachers’ Association and the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority for women educators. Much appreciation is expressed for those women who helped to provide excellent care for Linda, allowing her final weeks to be spent in her home: Pat, Deneathia, Anna, Barbara, Shaunie and the Gentiva Hospice team.
In lieu of flowers, any expression of gratitude for Linda’s life should be directed toward the faith community of your choice.
