Linda Patricia Colston, 77 of Whitwell was called home on Friday, January 9. Born on October 10, 1948 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she was the beloved daughter of Clarence Martin and grew up with a deep appreciation for caring for others that would shape her entire life. Linda married Gary Colston, with whom she shared many years of love and partnership with until his passing. Their life together was filled with devotion, hard work, and a shared commitment to family. A proud and dedicated RN, Linda served as a Clinical Coordinator at Erlanger Hospital for an extraordinary 52 years. Her career was more than a profession—it was a calling. She poured her heart into every patient, colleague, and moment, touching countless lives with her compassion, wisdom, and unwavering work ethic. Linda was known for her vibrant personality and her gift for making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. Outside of work, Linda embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. She loved her nail salon visits, relaxing at the beach, and indulging in a good day of shopping. She found peace in the outdoors, especially spending time with the cattle or mowing under the open sky. But above all, nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with her family. They were the center of her world, and she cherished every moment shared with them. Linda leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and love, one that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Linda is preceded in death by her father Clarence Martin, husband Gary Colston, daughter Lisa Mullins Mundis and sister Mary Farmer.
Left to cherish her memories are her sons Ronnie (Brandy) Smith and Donnie (Mandy) Smith, daughter Donna Arnold, grandchildren Heather, Brandon, Zach, Brooklyn and Rheighen Graham, as well as several other family members and special friends.
Visitation was on Tuesday, January 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, January 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper.
Funeral services were on Wednesday, January 14 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Tate Funeral Home, with Pastor Ronnie Case who officiated.
Linda was laid to rest on Wednesday, January 14 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Jasper immediately after the funeral services were held.
Pallbearers were Brandon Smith, Graham Smith and Donivon Richley.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.
The Marion Tribune – January 15, 2026