Linda Earle Livingston Cooksey, of Rock Hill, S.C., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 5, 2025. She was born in Newberry, S.C. on September 10, 1943, to the late Berry Earl Livingston and Mildred Owens Livingston.
Linda’s enthusiasm for books and learning led to representing her graduating class as valedictorian at Blaney High School. She then continued her education, graduating from the University of South Carolina. Linda instilled her love of learning and shared her compassionate heart by becoming a teacher, teaching at Camden, North Charleston, and Gaffney High Schools. She also taught at York Technical College and Southeastern College.
Linda dedicated her time and talents in service to and love of her Savior. While her husband was serving in the U.S. Army, she helped form a church at the military base they were stationed at in South Germany. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Rock Hill. She directed and participated in many church groups such as GAs, Bible Studies, Women’s Missionary Union, and other Sunday School committees. For those who knew Linda, Hebrews 13:2 comes to mind, “Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” as her welcoming attitude towards anyone she met left no one a stranger. With her loving nature, she sent thousands of cards throughout her life offering words of hope, encouragement, and love to those who needed it.
To her family, Linda epitomized The Wife of Noble Character as described in Proverbs 31. “She is worth far more than rubies,” and is honored by her family “for all that her hands have done.” Linda is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, William Dexter Cooksey, Jr., her three children, Angela Cooksey Garrett (Michael) of Lexington, S.C.; Kristin Cooksey Bendle (Tab) of Beaufort, S.C.; and William Dexter Cooksey, III (Jessica) of Rock Hill, S.C; grandchildren, Callie Cox Witt (Perry); Adam Husted; Tyler Cox; Kate Bendle; Lauren Husted; Eve Bendle, and Caroline Cooksey, and great-grandchild, Joseph Oakland Cox. She is also survived by her sister, Sylvia Livingston Linker (Tom) of Lincolnton, N.C.; Danny Livingston (Marsha) of Wilmington, N.C.; and Randy Livingston of Columbia, S.C., as well as many nieces and nephews she loved so much.
Celebration of Life service will be held 11 AM on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Greene Funeral Home, Northwest Chapel, in Rock Hill, S.C. The family will receive friends at 10 AM just prior to the service. A family graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Gaffney, S.C. at 3 PM.
Donations to honor her memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Rock Hill.
The family wishes to thank the staff of VIA Hospice and Senior Helpers for their special care.