Linda Ann Stanton

Linda Ann (Wingate) Stanton, 76, of Devine, Texas, passed away February 26, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born in Pearsall, Texas, to JW and Delma (Perry) Wingate on January 3, 1947, and was the oldest of four sisters. Linda met her husband, Robert Stanton, when they were juniors in high school and were married on May 31, 1968, in Devine. 

Linda graduated from Devine High School in 1965 then proceeded to work and put herself through college over the next few years. She began teaching in Devine on an emergency certification in 1968. Linda graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1972 with a BS in Education and went on to earn her Master's in Education from Sul Ross University in 1980. 

Linda began her career teaching 8th grade English in 1968. In 1984, she started in administration, becoming the assistant principal for both the elementary and junior high schools in Devine. She soon found her home as principal of Devine Elementary where she served for over 20 years. When Linda "retired", she had served over 40 years as an educator. Consequently, Linda was only able to stay retired for about a year or two, returning to substitute for several years before taking a position as an assistant at DEAP until the summer of 2020. She was a woman of tremendous impact who touched thousands of lives. Linda was born to teach, and then lead and mentor teachers. She was a fierce advocate for education and educators, and a tireless voice for the voiceless. She was often known to buy shoes for her students or give away her own children's clothes to her school's families in need. 

Linda was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was proud of her children and delighted in her grandchildren, who affectionately called her 'Honey'. She tried to be present for every event she possibly could be for those she loved. 
Linda loved to travel, and she and Robert traveled all over the US, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, the Caribbean and much of Europe, but her favorite place in the whole world was Port Aransas, Texas. She wasn't a swimmer, but she loved to be near the water and would spend her beach days reading. 

Linda is preceded in death by her parents JW and Delma Wingate and her youngest sister, Frances Durisseau. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 55 years, Robert, and her children, daughters Pagette Callender (husband, Wayne) and Blythe Cone (husband, Jerome), and sons Shane and Ronnie. She will be forever remembered by her grandchildren Hudson (23), Carson (20), Jakob (18), Braylon (17), Sasha (17), Skylar (12), and Elliot (11), and her sisters Mildred Jemeyson and Phyllis Cowherd. 

Linda will be remembered with a celebration of life/memorial service on Saturday, March 11 at 10:30am at First Baptist Church in Devine, Texas. All are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Devine Dollars for Scholars: 2330 St. HWY. 173, Devine, TX 78016.