Linda Gay Monroe

Linda Gay Monroe, a cherished educator and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, in Port Arthur, Texas, at the age of 82. Born on December 24, 1942, in Sacramento, California, she was a person who truly embraced life, nourished by her deep passion for teaching and an unwavering commitment to bettering her community.

Linda taught at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School in Port Arthur as well Sycamore Private School in Nederland, each for seven years. For two vibrant decades, she served and retired as an Elementary Teacher with the Port Arthur Independent School District, where her nurturing spirit and lifelong interest in helping others significantly impacted the lives of countless students. Her dedication and love for teaching made her a treasured figure in the educational landscape of the region.

Linda's formative years were richly influenced by her father's distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. Growing up, she had the opportunity to travel widely, experiencing many parts of the world, which helped to shape her open-minded and adventurous personality. Her academic accomplishments included earning a Bachelor's Degree, reflecting her relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

Beyond her career, Linda was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, William Sanders Chapter, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter, where she fostered her passion for education and community engagement. Her remarkable contributions were honored through the naming of a state building at Lamar State College Port Arthur and the establishment of a scholarship that carries her name, ensuring her legacy endures.

Linda was also an exceptional athlete, particularly in swimming. She was the proud owner of Shady Nook Swim School and dedicated over 40 years to teaching swimming lessons to young students, positively touching the lives of more than 6,000 children throughout her career, along with Beth Kiel, Kris Grado, Madison Monroe, Marcy Hemmings, Karissa Grado, Linda Neal, and Michelle LeMire. She celebrated the joy of sharing aquatic skills and building a strong foundation for future swimmers and was admired for her expertise in the water and her ability to instill confidence in her students.

Linda's nobility extended far beyond her immediate family. She played an integral role in the Vietnamese resettlement in Port Arthur following the Vietnam War and contributed to the desegregation order in the City of Port Arthur, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to social justice and equality.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 60 years, W. Sam Monroe of Port Arthur; her daughter, Donna Kristine Grado and her husband, Joseph Marc of Port Arthur; and her son, W. Madison Monroe, II and Eloina Garza of Beaumont. The joy she found in family was further magnified by her cherished grandchildren, Marcy Fay Hemmings and her husband, Jeremy, and Karissa Nicole Grado and her fiance, Brock Barrows. With great pride, she delighted in her great-grandchildren: Jace Michael Hemmings, Brittyn Faye Barrows, Kinsley Grace Barrows, and Emmy Kate Barrows. She also leaves behind nieces, Caitlin Rose Williams, Meghan Brantley, and Ellen Hopson, along with nephews, Russell Monroe and Cary Thornton.

Linda was preceded in death by her cherished parents, Raymond and Icene Thornton, her brother, Bill Thornton, and her aunt, Fay Foster. These family ties, though separated by time, reflect the deep roots from which her remarkable life flourished.

As friends and family gather to celebrate her life, they will remember a woman who touched their hearts and inspired many. A visitation will be held at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th Street, Groves, Texas, on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at the same location at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas.  

The family would like to thank Linda's caregivers, Carmen Blanton, Angela Gonzalez, Elsie Cunningham, Megan Culpepper, and Maria Cunningham for the loving and wonderful care they offered to Linda and her family.

Linda's legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to community service will be felt for generations to come. Donations can be made in Linda's memory to the Museum of the Gulf Coast at P.O. Box 1374, Port Arthur, Texas 77641, or the Port Arthur Higher Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1446, Port Arthur, Texas 77641.