Rita Linker

Rita Yvonne Stinson Linker

1938 - 2025

Rita Yvonne Stinson Linker, 87, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, in Bellevue, WA. Born in Johnson City, TN, Rita was a cherished member of the Northwest Georgia community for over 40 years, residing in Shannon, Adairsville, and Dalton.

Rita graduated from Lamar High School in Johnson City, TN, where she earned numerous awards in 4H, including national recognition for her exceptional biscuit and pie baking skills. She pursued higher education at East Tennessee State University, obtaining her undergraduate degree, and later earned a master's degree in library science from Emory University.

In Johnson City, Rita met and married her husband, Eustace Linker. Together, they relocated to Northwest Georgia in 1961. Rita initially taught 6th grade in Rome before embarking on a distinguished career as a professional librarian in the late 1970s. She began her journey at the Rome library and held various positions throughout the Northwest Georgia Regional Library system, ultimately retiring in Dalton, GA in 2005.

Rita was the daughter of the late Gordon Buford Stinson and Mary Grace Scott Stinson. In addition to her husband Eustace (who passed in 2004),

Rita was also preceded in death by her son, Gordon Clifford Linker.

She is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Hall of Issaquah, WA; two nieces, Patricia Donaldson of Greeneville, TN, and Janet Pickel of Johnson City, TN; two great-nieces, Heather Donaldson of Greeneville, TN, and Rachel Donaldson Denney of Vinton, VA; and Rachel's two children, Evelyn Denney and Benjamin Denney.

A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memory Gardens at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Rita had a deep love for tea, books, libraries, and butterflies. In her memory, the family suggests contributions be made to The American Library Association to https://:ec.ala.org/donate or to your local library. You may also honor Rita by enjoying a good book with a cup of tea, holding her in your heart.

Online condolences may be made through Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601, is serving the Linker family.