Dr. Linda Wortham Cook

1954 - 2026

Dr. Linda Wortham Cook, PhD, 71, of Beaumont, died Saturday, March 21, 2026, following a challenging battle with cancer. She was born on April 12, 1954, in Houston to Barbara Anderson and Thomas George (TG) Fitzgerald. Jr and relocated to Southeast Texas in 1975 where she pursued a career in elementary education.

Linda was a dedicated and passionate educator who spent thirty-six years working with children as a teacher and counselor with the Beaumont Independent School District. She was a proud alumnus of Baylor University and Lamar University, where she received her bachelor's in education. On May 10, 2008, she achieved a lifelong goal of obtaining her doctorate in education from Lamar University.

On May 22, 2008, while participating in a BISD cultural immersion program in Pachuca, Mexico, Linda was involved in a tragic bus accident that claimed the lives of three of her companion educators. She was ultimately able to survive however, she suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury during the collision which rendered her a paraplegic for the remainder of her life. Despite her considerable injuries and lengthy rehabilitation, Linda was undeterred and eventually resumed her educational duties with BISD until her eventual retirement in 2015.

Linda's biggest love in life was by far her grandchildren, whom she sought to spoil, love, and teach at every possible opportunity. She proudly and affectionately wore the title of "Mimi" all the way through her final days.

Survivors include her sons, RJ Wortham and his wife, Jerrica, of Missouri City and Baylor Wortham and his wife, Lindsay, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Taylor Wortham, Camryn Wortham, Gracie Wortham, Robert Wortham III, Jaxon Wortham, Jacelyn Wortham, Baylor Wortham II, and Elizabeth Wortham; great-granddaughter, Monroe; and siblings, Tommy Fitzgerald, Tim Fitzgerald, Barry Fitzgerald, and Beverly Fitzgerald Peterson.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Dr. James "Jim" Cook; and sister, Barbara Jo Fitzgerald-Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

A gathering of Dr.'s Cook's family and friends will begin 1:00 p.m. in the Cloister room with her funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. Pallbearers will be Robert Wortham, III, Baylor Wortham, II, Jaxon Wortham, Kyle Peterson, Travis Fitzgerald, Tommy Fitzgerald, Tim Fitzgerald, and George Whiting.

Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.