Linda Louise (Hawkins) Gross, 81, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2019 in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by family.

Born on September 9, 1938 in Olney, Illinois to Lloyd and Florence (Bowlby) Hawkins, Linda attended East Richland High School and studied music at The University of Illinois and nursing at Union Hospital School of Nursing (now part of Indiana State University) before marrying her high school sweetheart, Vernon Gross.

After raising a family in Indiana, Linda relocated to Tyler, TX in 1990, where she and husband, Vernon became active members of Christ Episcopal Church and several community and social groups. Linda worked as a Registered Nurse in Labor and Delivery for nearly 30 years in Indiana and Texas before retiring in 1998. She was dedicated to improving and updating the quality of mother/baby care, both in the hospital setting and as a prenatal educator.

Linda fulfilled her passion for music by playing flute and piano with several bands and orchestras throughout the years in Indianapolis and Tyler and could often be heard playing flute for various church services. She served on the boards of the Tyler Music Coterie and the Choir School of East Texas and was especially proud of her work with the Choir School.

Always cheerful, optimistic and encouraging, Linda was an inspiration to both friends and family, touching their hearts and deeply influencing their lives.

Linda is survived by her husband of 58 years, Vernon Gross (also an Olney native), daughter, Anne Pearlman and husband, Rodney of El Granada, CA; son, John Gross and wife Norma of Houston, TX; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Choir School of East Texas, Pets Alive of Smith County, TX or any animal rescue group you wish to support.

Olney Daily Mail (IL) – Friday, October 18, 2019