Linda Brown-Rhymes

Funeral services for Ms. Linda Brown-Rhymes, 69, of Daingerfield, Texas, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Jesse Hanson Gymnasium at Daingerfield ISD, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.  Burial will follow at Whitmore Cemetery. Ms. Rhymes will lie in state for a time of viewing from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in the chapel of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.  An additional time of viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Daingerfield.

A Journey of Serving Others

Ms. Linda Gail Rhymes was a woman of faith, service, and unwavering dedication to others. Born on May 31, 1956, in Naples, Texas, to the late Edell Marie Brooks and Willie Brown Jr., Linda lived a life centered on faith, education, and caring for those around her. She entered eternal rest on February 18, 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy of love, service, and faith.

Linda’s journey in education began early. She graduated from high school ahead of schedule and began college at Texas Woman’s University at just sixteen years old. Her love for learning and dedication to excellence led her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Special Education, followed by two master’s degrees that further prepared her for a lifetime of service.

In 1977, Linda began her teaching career, stepping into what she would later describe as her assignment from the Lord. Over the years, she served as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, college instructor, assistant principal, and principal.

Linda was known as an educator who expected excellence and believed deeply in the potential of every child. She often reminded her students that there was always room for improvement, encouraging them to strive for more and never give up. Generations of children grew stronger because she believed in them first. Former students became colleagues, colleagues became lifelong friends, and countless lives were shaped by her wisdom, strength, and unwavering belief in others. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, and many considered her not only a teacher or leader, but a pillar and guiding light within the community.

Teaching was never just a profession for Linda. It was her calling. Even after retiring as a principal, she chose to return to the classroom as a special education teacher, proving that for Linda, the work was always about the children, never the title. She devoted her life to shaping young minds with compassion and high expectations, believing every child could grow and improve. She expected respect, excellence, and perseverance, always reminding others that they were capable of more than they sometimes saw in themselves.

Linda’s commitment to service extended beyond the classroom and into her community. In 1996, she established the Brooks Kennerson Scholarship in memory of her mother and sister, a legacy that has supported students for decades. She was also a devoted member of the Piney Woods Civic Club beginning in 1992 and later served as president, continuing a mission of service that supported local families, students, and community needs.

Throughout her career, Linda received numerous awards, honors, and distinctions recognizing her excellence in education, leadership, and service. Whether in the classroom, as an administrator, or through community involvement, her work was marked by integrity, high standards, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.

At her church, Linda began serving as a typist and later became Church Clerk, a role she faithfully carried for many years. She willingly served wherever she was needed, taking on many responsibilities to help fulfill the mission of the church and support those around her.

Above all, Linda was known for her love and nurturing spirit. She was the glue that held many parts of the family together, keeping connections strong across generations. She knew everyone, their stories, and where life had taken them, and she treasured traveling to spend time with family near and far. She shared a special bond with her great-nephews, Maleek Brown and Kaishaun Brown, whom she raised and loved dearly, affectionately referring to them as her boys. She was also a loving godmother to Isabel Castro and a cherished presence in the life of Isabel’s daughter, Adalee. She was affectionately known as Glammy, a name she picked herself because she was simply too glamorous and fabulous to be called Grandma or Granny. Her love for family was deep and unwavering.

Linda leaves to cherish her memory her loving sisters, Eunice Faye Miller and Judy Morris; her brother, Chris Brown; her beloved great-nephews, Maleek Brown and Kaishaun Brown; her great-niece, Jasmine Brown; her nieces, Keisha Brown, Christie Taylor; her nephews, Ruffus Baker, Sterling Brown, Shannon Brown, Amahl Miller, Lee Miller, Terrance Linwood, and Bertram Brown; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives were forever touched by her love, guidance, and unwavering dedication. –

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edell Marie Brooks and Willie Brown Jr., and her beloved sisters Emma Brown, Donna Brown, and Linda Linwood.

Her faith guided every part of her life. She lived with purpose, served with humility, and loved deeply. Whether through teaching, mentoring, community service, or simply offering encouragement, Linda made people feel seen, valued, and capable. The impact she leaves behind is undeniable. Her legacy lives on in every student she taught, every educator she mentored, every life she touched, and every heart that continues to carry her lessons forward. We take comfort in knowing she has heard the words she lived her life to honor, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”