Linda Gail O'Rear

View Video Tribute Linda Gail O'Rear, 63, well-known Maury County educator, died Saturday, September 29, 2012 at her residence following an extended illness. The family will begin visitation with friends Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols concluding with a Celebration of Life Service at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Terry Peery officiating. Tina Weatherford will also participate. Burial will follow, near the sunset hour, at Polk Memorial Gardens. Miss O'Rear was born April 12, 1949 in Columbia to the late John (J.B.) and Louise Hines O'Rear. She was a 1967 graduate of Columbia Central High School and earned degrees from both Columbia State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University. She began her 35-year teaching career in 1971 at Mt. Pleasant elementary School. The remaining 33 years were dedicated to Highland Park Elementary School in Columbia. She dearly loved her career and volunteered in several capacities after her retirement. Even though teaching was much of her life, she made time for family, friends, and community. A loyal member of the Maury County Bridle and Saddle club, she worked tirelessly for many hours in the Mule Day office. Her hobbies included camping and dancing and she was a member of the Duck River Squares and Silver Creek Cloggers. Miss O'Rear is survived by her devoted sister and caregiver, Anita (A.J.) Williams of Fayetteville, formerly of Columbia; nieces, Angie (Jim) Hatfield of Hazel Green, Alabama and Julia (Chris) Jernigan of Tullahoma; great-nieces, Amber and Addison Hatfield; uncle and aunt, Ralph and Clarice Ussery of Columbia; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by a nephew, Danny P. Williams. Active pallbearers are Buddy Harlan, Bobby Kilpatrick, Doug Rutherford, Jeremy Tosh, Rob Howell, and Danny Fox. Honorary pallbearers include Highland Park Elementary School co-workers, Audrey Payne, Leon Whitlach, and her NACO camping friends. The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Lori Adams and Brenda Malugin of Caris Hospice; Peggy Prentice; MRH-EMS team; supportive friends and compassionate neighbors; Dr. Belinda Bart and staff at Northside Medical Professionals, Dr. Robert MacArthur; and Dr. Grant Barr and staff. The family suggests that those desiring give back in some way to family, friends, and community by volunteering your time or by sponsoring a child-in-need, c/o Highland Park Elementary School,1606 Highland Avenue, Columbia 38401 or a school of choice; Community Christmas Card, c/o THE DAILY HERALD, 1115 South Main Street, Columbia 38401, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.