Malinda "Linda" Hood Taylor Walter

March 13, 1941 - January 8, 2018

Malinda “Linda” Hood Taylor Walter, age 76, of Columbia, Tennessee, dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister in law, mother in law, friend, and teacher, passed away on January 8, 2018 at her home. Linda was born on March 13, 1941 in Charleston, West Virginia, to parents Maurice Glenn and Leila Robey Taylor. Linda was the beloved wife of Bill, and they were especially fortunate to experience a lifetime of adventures together. Linda was treasured by her children, Mark (Wendy) Walter and Mary Glenn (Dave) Vreeland; adored by her grandchildren, Brayden and Landon Walter and William Vreeland, who affectionately called her CG, for cool grandmother; greatly loved by her siblings, Alice Lee (Dan) Ferguson and Maury (Carol) Taylor; and cherished by her nieces, nephews, and their children.

Growing up in Matewan, West Virginia, Linda was curious and spirited, with a sense of whimsy. In her teenage years, she attended Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Virginia, and then received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from West Virginia University. At WVU, Linda met, was charmed by, and fell in love with William Roy Walter, whom she married on June 2, 1963.

Throughout her life, Linda cultivated vast friendships in each of the places where she and Bill made their home: West Virginia, Ohio, Minnesota, and Tennessee. Linda was incredibly creative, artistic, curious, fun, generous, joyful, courageous, and resilient. She had an adventurous spirit and was a lifelong learner. She was very active and loved to entertain, read, paint, garden, dine with her friends, and spend time outdoors. Travel, both abroad and within the United States, with family and close friends was one of Linda’s greatest passions and joys. She particularly enjoyed being at the beach, and each year eagerly anticipated two special trips: one to Pawleys Island with lifelong friends from Chattanooga, a vacation that she relished for 20 years, another with her extended, much loved Taylor family. Linda had a great affection for animals and over the years she spoiled many family pets, including dogs, cats, and a rabbit or two.

In addition to having a gratifying and long term career in education, the majority of which was spent teaching English and Literature to students at Whitthorne Middle School, Linda was an energetic volunteer. She founded the Breast Cancer Support Group at Maury Regional Medical Center and, true to her roots, also founded the West Virginia Picnic, a festive gathering held annually in Columbia. She served as President of the Students’ Club, was a member of the James K. Polk Association, enjoyed volunteering at the Maury County Public Library, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

A celebration of Linda’s life will take place on Saturday, January 13th at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, located at 222 West 7th Street in Columbia, Tennessee. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to the visitation from 3:30 – 5:00 PM at Graymere Country Club located at 2100 Country Club Lane in Columbia, Tennessee. The burial service will be held privately at Maury Memorial Gardens, with Heritage Funeral Home of Columbia, Tennessee in charge of all arrangements. The family kindly requests no flowers; memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church children’s playground: 222 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401, Maury County Public Library: 211 West 8th Street, Columbia, TN 38401, Maury County Animal Shelter: 1233 Mapleash Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401.