Linda Gail (Garner) Chandler, 83, passed away on March 12, 2026. Born on April 3, 1942, in Dallas, Texas, she was the devoted wife of Edwin Wayne Chandler, who preceded her in death.
She was the beloved daughter of John Marcus Garner, Sr. and Katheryn (Kinnard) Garner, and a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose love for her family was the center of her life.
Linda had a gift for connection — she was outgoing, warm, and never met a stranger. Her curiosity took her across the United States and throughout Europe, and she was always ready to set sail on the next cruise adventure — often the first in line for cruise bingo or the evening show. A lifelong learner and educator, Linda devoted her career to serving students and schools as a teacher, librarian, and technology director, leaving a lasting impact on all those she taught and worked alongside.
When she wasn’t traveling, Linda could often be found with a deck of cards in hand, working through a sudoku puzzle, or tackling the latest brain teaser — always sharp, always engaged, and always up for a challenge.
She is survived by her sons, John Trotter, and Chris Trotter and his wife, Rachel Trotter. She leaves behind grandchildren who knew her best as just “Nana”: Kaylee Trotter Minnis and her husband John Minnis, Ian Cruthirds and Jade Watson, Heather Trotter, Dustin Trotter, Landon and Brittany Paschall. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brothers, Mark Garner and his wife Quida Garner, and Ricky Garner, as well as many other loving family members, friends and her Watermere family.
Linda’s warmth, humor, and love of life will be remembered by all who knew her.