Linda H. Thompson, born October 15, 1936, lived a beautiful and rich life until August 31, 2025. Affectionately known as “L.T.” to family and friends, Linda gave her beloved daughter Ginny unconditional love, indomitable passion for life, and the independent skills for her future. Her son-in-law, David, brought his gentle kindness and quiet support while comforting Ginny.
Linda was preceded in death by her great love and favorite dance partner, her husband, Mark Oden Thompson. What wonderful happiness they shared as a family, complete with Ginny and their dog, Sam. You could often find them at Richland every week, dancing to their song, “Big Bad Leroy Brown,” or sharing a game of competitive gin rummy, laughing at Mark’s jokes, or enjoying an afternoon toddy with one olive please. Their love and fun together were undeniable to all who shared their passion for one another.
Linda’s youth and teenage years were spent in Springfield, Tennessee, where she was a beauty queen and sang at many local events. She became a local favorite who later moved to Nashville and became a local television singer. Her striking dark beauty caught many photographers’ eyes, and her likeness appeared on billboards, magazine covers, and in newspapers.
Linda had the great fortune of meeting the late Sarah Cannon, known as Minnie Pearl, when she was a young woman. They grew to be like mother and daughter, navigating Minnie’s career together. Not only did they work together, but they also played many rounds of tennis and shared a similar wit that proved magical together. They laughed their way through tours and sang in cars, and with Minnie as her mentor, and Henry Cannon-Minnie’s husband-as their pilot and true witty guide, they became known as “Minnie, Henry, and Miss Lin.”
After her tenure with Minnie, Linda discovered her love for design and fashion. Always creative, she found joy in art and colors “that soothed her soul”, expressed in her vast collection of paintings, pencil drawings, and family photos. She worked in the fashion industry as a buyer and in sales with Jamie Stream at the Nashville fashion house, Jamie. With Jamie, she delighted in traveling to New York, visiting her 7th Avenue friends, and buying from some of the great fashion houses. She became a favorite of many Nashville mavens whom she “dressed” with care for many years.
Linda’s long life was filled with the joy of her family, her friends at Windsor Tower, and her many devoted work friends.
She is survived by her loving family: her daughter, Sara Virginia Thompson Markham-Jones, and son-in-law David Markham-Jones; her niece Diane Hollingsworth Keane (Dr. William Keane); her nephew Jack Hollingsworth; her niece, the late Marilyn Holland; and many great-nephews and nieces: Brandon Keane (Brooke), Sam Hollingsworth (Emily), Anna Brandon (Adam), Margaret Scot Smith (Jeff), Shelley Bullock (Scott), and late Bryan Patrick Keane.
Linda’s parents were the late James Albert Highsmith and Hallie Adams Highsmith, and her sister, Margaret H. Hollingsworth, all of Springfield, Tennessee. They were central figures in her life. With her beloved “Daddy Jack,” Linda was only 11 when her mother died, but her memories were vivid and strong and her sister Margaret, ten years older, provided a close and guiding relationship after the loss of their beloved mother.
Linda’s loves were many: reading, tennis, playing cards, singing, the sunshine, decorating her home, and above all, time spent with friends and family. Her indomitable spirit filled every part of her life. Her deepest love for Ginny and Mark, and for her family and friends, was her great pleasure. Her stories was boundless, her heart always open, and her independence unflagging. Truly, she was a force of nature.
A memorial service honoring Linda’s life will be held on October 15, 2025, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee at 3:00PM. Proceeding the service there will be a visitation from 1:30PM to 2:45PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson Street, Nashville, Tennessee.
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