Lynda Whalen

Lynda was born, raised, and lived most of her life in Longview at Lake Cherokee. After graduating from Longview High School in 1965, she obtained her bachelors and masters degrees in education from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and was a lifelong fan of the Horned Frogs.

Lynda was also a lifelong educator spending the majority of her career at Pine Tree ISD and Region VII in Kilgore. At Pine Tree, she founded and led the gifted and talented program taking her seventh grade humanities students on field trips to destinations including New York City and Epcot Center. After retiring from education, Lynda became an active member in the Lake Cherokee community and served on the Board of Directors for the Cherokee Water Company.

Lynda was one of a kind in all respects. She had style - wearing designer sunglasses and an assortment of wigs until her final days. She was funny - cracking jokes with her caretakers until her final hours. But above all, Lynda Whalen will be remembered for her undying generosity- both with her time and her resources. When she saw suffering, she stopped, listened, and took action. This is her legacy.

Lynda was predeceased by her husband, Charles Whalen, in August of 2023. She is survived by her son, Jason West, and granddaughters, Ava and Stella, all of Fort Worth. A private ceremony is being held for family members and Lynda will be memorialized amongst family and friends in the springtime.