Linda Cobb Bigham – April 26, 2014


Linda Cobb Bigham was born on July 10, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas to Edena Beard and James F. Cobb and passed away on April 26, 2014.  Bigham NowBigham Then

 Services will be at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church with the Reverend Jo Roberts Mann officiating.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.  

Linda was the oldest of three children born to her parents. Out of all the many roles she played in life, being the oldest sister was one of favorites. Linda was very proud of her Texas heritage, and she spent countless hours retracing the history of her family. She was a direct descendant of James Hope, one of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” who received a land grant on the Brazos River on July 10, 1824. She is also directly descended from Nicholas Crunk and Prosper Hope who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. Linda took advantage of every opportunity to explore and share her Texas heritage with her children and grand children.

Linda grew up in the First Baptist Church of Amarillo. During her childhood, she attended Wolflin Elementary School and Stephen F. Austin Junior High School. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 1965.

After graduating from Amarillo High School, Linda attended Baylor University. Although Linda did not graduate from Baylor University, she was Baylor proud. She became a Baylor University Alumnus by Choice in 2013. Linda earned both her Bachelor and her Master’s degrees from West Texas State University.

 Upon completing the requirements for teacher certification, Linda began a successful teaching career in the Canyon Independent School district. A favorite amongst teachers and students alike, she earned many honors while in the classroom including the chance to be a delegate for CISD at the NEA convention in Louisville, KY in 1986. Linda shined as an administrator in CISD. She began her journey at Canyon High School, but she became a Raider when the doors of Randall High School opened up in 1988. While at Randall High School, Linda was able to be both a tough administrator and a kind leader for teachers and students alike. She will be remembered as a wise and reassuring presence for the teachers and staff at Randall High School. Her career in education spanned more than four decades, and she has touched the lives of thousands of students with her kind heart and knack for motivating reluctant learners.

Linda was loved greatly by her family and all who knew her because of her amazing sense of humor and clever wit. She not only told her children and grand children how to be a great human being- she demonstrated it each day through her words and interaction with others. Linda was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mom, and teacher. Through her involvement with St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, she also demonstrated her faith and belief in Jesus Christ. Her life partner, her children, her grandchildren, and her siblings will miss her for countless reasons. We are all better people because of the influence she has had on our lives.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Edena Beard Cobb, and her former husband and father of her two children, John Dean Bigham.

Linda is survived by her father, James F. Cobb of Brentwood, Tenn; her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Nita Cobb of Euless; her sister and brother-in -law, Mark Buford and Dena Kay Buford of Brentwood, Tenn; her son and daughter-in-law, John Todd and Lori Bigham of Amarillo; her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Hayden and Trey McKinney of Rowlett; and her beloved life partner of more than 30 years, Vivian Salazar of Amarillo. Linda was also blessed with 3 grandchildren: Katherine May McKinney and Jameson Ryan McKinney of Rowlett and Madison Gray Bigham of Amarillo. In addition, Linda was blessed with 4 nephews and 3 nieces.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School’s financial assistance fund to aid students in economic need who desire to attend St. Andrew’s.

 Sign the online guestbook at www.boxwellbrothers.com. 

0 Replies to “Linda Cobb Bigham – April 26, 2014”

  1. Ms. Cobb was such an influential part of my life in high school. She was one of a few people that truly believed in me. I have always admired her, and will keep the family in my prayers during this difficult time.
    Rest in Peace Ms. Cobb…you left a footprint on many hearts.

  2. Linda was smart, a great role model and her sense of humor was wicked good! My deepest sympathy to all her family. V, I am thinking of you.

  3. DK and family,
    Your friends in Tennessee are saddened to hear of the loss of your sister. Reading through the many lovely condolences…it is obvious that Linda was a beautiful person. We love you DK and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    XOXOXO
    Angela Durr

  4. Although she only taught my daughter’s class a week, she did have an impact. I wish I had known her, but her loved ones can take solstice in the thousands of lives she has touched through her years of teaching.
    My prayers go out to all her family.

  5. Co worker with Morris for many years. James was a handsome father. May you have God’s Peace.
    H.D. “Whitey” White

  6. Linda was a good friend to me as a student and an educator. My life is better because I was able to count her as someone I admired and as a friend. Our prayers go out to all her family and friends.

  7. Ms. Bigham was one of my teachers from my high school days at Canyon High. I’ll remember her as someone that challenged her students to do their very best. She was a good teacher.
    My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

  8. Ms Cobb was one the most amazing teachers and wonderful people I have ever been blessed to know. She will be dearly missed. And the world is a better place because of who she was and how she loved others.

  9. Hayden and Todd, I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sadness in my heart. It aches for both of you. Lots of love and I am thinking of you both. Your mom was a great lady and she touched many lives.

  10. Linda was a great person, caring educator who loved her students. She was always so kind and respectful to Steve & I and our children loved her dearly. She will be missed by many. God Bless you Linda and my prayers are with your loving partner, family, and friends.

  11. Linda was a great person with a huge heart. She was always smiling and had the best attitude. She will be missed. Vi my sympathy to you. My God be with you in this difficult time. Rest in peace Linda. We will all miss you.

  12. Linda was a very caring person and she was a lot of fun. Her daughter Hayden has been a close friend of my daughter Amy since grade school.
    We were associated through girl scouts and school activities from 2nd grade through their senior year. She set a great example of excellence as an educator, and Hayden is following that same path as a dedicated teacher who is very engaged with her students.
    I know that Linda touched a lot of lives and will be dearly missed by all. RIP Linda, and may God comfort Hayden and the rest of the family.

  13. Her humor and presence will remain with us always. Our love and prayers are with you all.
    Beth Hudson and George Schwarz

  14. I will always remember Linda and her presence at Randall and Canyon High Schools and her outstanding and thoughtful contributions on behalf of the students. My thoughts are with you, Vivian.

  15. Linda Bigham was a great person. She had to have one of the biggest hearts I know. I was fortunate in life to have her as a teacher/coach/mentor but also to know her in my adult life has been amazing. My heart goes out to Vi and her kids. I pray God gives you all strength and peace throughout this time of mourning. God Bless and RIP Linda.

  16. I will always remember Linda and her presence and professionalism for kids that she provided at both Randall and Canyon High Schools. My thoughts are with you, Vivian.

  17. I will always always remeber her. And truth be told…she wouldve probably remembered me. She was my Principle at RHS. Class of 92. I was a total thorn in her side for several years. But my Sr year we made our peace and shared many laughs…she signed my year book saying “you really should be a lawyer” and gave me a hug. Its crazy that alot of my high school memories were spent in her office…LOL!!! To her family: my prayers for comfort for you all. I know your proud of her accomplishments, but as a former student, she was truely a great mentor and leader. I wished i lived closer so i could attend the funeral. God Speed Ms. Cobb.

  18. I have wonderful memories of Linda and Randall High. She was inspiring and very supportive of me as a young teacher. My prayers go out to her family.

  19. What a wonderful woman.sending my prayers to her family, especially to Vivian. Thoughts are with you during this sorrowful time.

  20. May God watch over you and your family in this sad time. All of your High School Classmates will be missing you and your keen wit and smile.newsChi Full

  21. Vivian, I am so sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute to Linda. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jackie

  22. Such a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. Cobbie helped me to become the teacher that I am today. I will miss her every day and I thank her so much for sharing her gift with me.

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