Linda Beth (Ashburn) England (age 80) of Clarkrange passed away on August 20, 2024, at home with family after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Thankfully, she was peaceably able to spend her remaining time at home due to her wonderful primary caregivers, Tim and Tina England.

Linda was born to the late Alvin and Nellie (Frazier) Ashburn on December 31, 1943. At the age of 14, she married Junior England, the love of her life, at the Monterey First Baptist Church on July 12, 1958. Together, they had three sons: Timothy Kent, Trenton Kyle, and Trevor Kendrick (all TKEs).

Linda had a passion for learning and teaching others. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Tennessee Technological University after having two children. Later, after having her third child, she returned to Tennessee Tech and completed both her master’s and education specialist degrees. Junior always joked that they own stock in Tennessee Tech!

Linda began teaching Kindergarten at Clarkrange Elementary in 1971. She taught various grades there for 21 years (with 4 th being her favorite) and served as assistant principal for a period. Together, Linda and Junior coached the girls and boys basketball teams for several years. However, her true passion was ensuring children learned to read without difficulty. She spent extensive time researching and learning about reading disabilities.

Later, Linda moved to the central office of the Fentress County Board of Education and served as the Federal Programs Director, retiring after 36 years and 2 months of service. Her colleagues saw her as a very well-respected educator and supervisor. Several thought she was the epitome of a true teacher, supervisor, and Christian.

In fact, Linda was a very devoted Christian. She became a member of the Clarkrange United Methodist Church in 1953, and she also attended the Roanoke United Methodist Church. In her spare time, Linda enjoyed playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as reading, cooking, and the Atlanta Braves.

She is survived by:
Husband: Junior England
Children: Timothy Kent England, Tina Kelly England, Trenton Kyle England, Trevor Kendrick England (Houston, TX), and Allison Cross England
Grandchildren: Justin Corey England and wife Kelley, Kellye LeeAnn Butler and husband Justin, Erica Lei England, and Callie Grace Fulghum and husband Tyler
Great Grandchildren: Allie Paige Butler, Mason Ryan England, Jacob Andrew Butler, Myles Kent England, and Molley Kate England
Sister: Barbara Ashburn Selby (Dalton, GA)
In-Laws: James England (Monterey), Jeanette Phillips and husband Amos (Monterey), and Richard England and wife Elenore
Special Friends and Caregivers: Ann Antle Wright, Julia Martin, Sharon Allred, Genger Norman, Betty Thornton, and Wilma Livesay
As well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by:
Parents: Alvin and Nellie (Frazier) Ashburn
Siblings: Allen (Bucky) Ashburn, Mildred Owens, Lois Peercy, Kenneth Ashburn, and Geri Ashburn
In-Laws: Sullivan England and wife Ova, Norma Ruth Ashburn, Junior Owens, Thomas Clark, Stanley Key, Ottis (Nim) Peercy, Glenda Ashburn, Ted Selby, Otis England and wife Ida, Ruthie Lack and husband Buddy, Evelyn Phillips and husband Carlen, Earl England and wife Charlene, Ruby Bowman and husband Granville, Talmadge England and wife Naomi, Beatrice England, and Arvie
England

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Jennings Funeral Home in Clarkrange, where a funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm with burial at Campground Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Justin England, Dennis England, Chad Selby, Eric Selby, Eric Phillips, and Roger Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Kellye Butler, Erica England, Callie Fulghum, Ann Antle Wright, Julia Martin, and Wilma Livesay.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Campground Cemetery Fund. Cash or checks made payable to the Campground Cemetery Fund can be left at the funeral home.

The family would like to express its gratitude to everyone who visited, prayed, brought food, or just took the time to think about us. We are blessed more than anyone could ever imagine.

Last, but definitely not least, the family wants to express its sincere appreciation to Barbara Selby. She is a devoted sister, aunt, and caregiver. Even on the worst days, you could hear Linda talking to her loving sister, Barbara. Mom loved you deeply, and we do too!