Linda Easterlin

Katie "Linda" Downs Easterlin, aged 88, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Born on June 27, 1936, in Athens, Georgia, she was the eldest daughter of Mealor Jeanné McCommon Downs and Edward Hodgson Downs. Linda was preceded in death by her sister, Carol McCommon Downs, and is survived by her sister, Charm Downs McCall of Hoschton, Georgia.

Linda attended the University of Georgia, where she met her husband of 67 years, William Lynn "Bill" Easterlin, Jr. They married on December 8, 1956, in Athens and later made their home in Atlanta.

A faithful member of St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church for over 60 years, Linda was devoted to her church community. Her love for food, wine and entertaining led her to establish Linda Easterlin Catering in the 1970s, catering weddings, corporate events and parties in Atlanta and the state of Georgia. Together, Bill and Linda traveled extensively, visiting Asia, Africa, North and South America, Europe, and Australia.

Linda is survived by her husband and their three children: Edward Downs Easterlin (Nan) of Atlanta; Nancy Easterlin Smith of Roswell, Georgia; and William Lynn Easterlin III (Nancy) of Savannah, Georgia. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Mallie Easterlin and Clara Easterlin Reames (Grey) of Nashville, Tennessee; Edward "Ward" Downs Easterlin, Jr. (Lucy Mostellar) and Jessica Easterlin of Atlanta; Emma Smith of Atlanta; and Sally Smith of Easley, South Carolina.

A burial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 19, 2024, at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church, followed by a reception in Gable Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's memory may be made to the St. Martin's Endowment Fund.

Easterlin, Downs, Linda