Linda Gail Beard Lumpkins, beloved wife, mother, teacher, and servant of Christ, passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 78. Linda was born on September 10, 1946, in Samburg, TN, to Forrest and Lonna Beard. She dedicated her life to teaching and spreading love and kindness, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Linda’s career as a school teacher spanned from 1968 to 2014, during which she taught kindergarten through middle school students in public school systems and at Mars Hill Bible School. Her passion for education led her to earn a BA in Elementary Education from Freed Hardeman University and Abilene Christian University, as well as an MA in Special Education and Reading from the University of North Alabama. Linda was honored as Teacher of the Year for West Limestone County and received the Heritage Christian University Founder’s Award for her service to the church and community.
Her ministry extended beyond the classroom, as she faithfully served in jails and prisons, welcomed people from around the world into her home, and shared the gospel internationally. Linda’s life exemplified the words of Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Linda is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ronald Dwain Lumpkins, her son Barry Lumpkins (Stacey), her daughter Laura Beth Derr (Joey), and her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bedford Forrest Beard and Lonna Williams Beard, and her siblings Herschel Beard, Arnold Beard, Margaret Dean, Doris Pettigrew, and Pat Adams.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Woodlawn Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mars Hill Bible School or Woodlawn Peru Missions.
Linda’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her life will continue to inspire all who knew her.