It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Linda Lee Langham Hamrick Knight, age 78, who passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026 of Paris, Texas surrounded by her loved ones. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, she will be remembered for her warm heart, unwavering strength, and her remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family. After an extended illness of breast cancer that spanned roughly 23 years of her life, she would encourage all ladies to get their check-ups and to raise awareness and improve early detection.
She was daughter to Fredric Lloyd Langham and Margaret Molder Langham of Houston Texas. She graduated from Goodrich High School in Goodrich, Texas. She was football sweetheart of the school. She jokes that her graduating class had only 8 people, but if you saw the picture, you would know that she was a beauty. She never shared many stories about her high school years but she did say that there were only 4 guys that graduated with her and only 2 she thought were “datable” (Kelton Taylor, whoever you were… you were on the list). Although I’m sure she must have had some wild stories about growing up, she was always so proper that she would never divulge any secrets, only to say that her sister Judy was the wilder of the two. She took everything in stride and she would never complain nor would let you know that she was feeling bad or hurting.
Born on Monday, June 6, 1947 in Houston, Texas, Linda lived a life dedicated to kindness, hard work, and service to others. She was a retired employee of GTE Telephone, where she spent many years working with dedication and pride. Her time at GTE was not just a career but a reflection of her commitment to helping others and making a lasting impact in her community. For almost 30 years she worked for GTE Telephone Company as a most excellent Executive for the bosses that filtered through the company. She had a knack to be able to know what was needed and to go the extra mile to make things happen.
Linda loved to read, watch old television shows and to frequent antique stores, collecting meaningful pieces over the years and she proudly displayed them in her home. She was a member of Church of the Holy Cross in Paris, Texas. She would always go out of her way to help someone, whenever she could. She was an excellent cook and was always ready to cook any meal you requested, no matter the complexity. She always knew the best presents to give, often before you knew the gift was exactly what you needed.
Above all, Linda was a loving and devoted mother to her children, who were the light of her life. Her unconditional love and boundless support were the foundation of her family, and her legacy will live on in the values she instilled in each of them. She was also a cherished grandmother, always ready with a smile, a warm hug, and words of wisdom.
Lala, as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her passion for life was evident in everything she did, and she was always eager to lend a hand or offer a listening ear. Her generosity and compassion knew no bounds, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In addition to her parents, Linda is preceded in death by her grandson, Cody Hamrick and brother-in-law Jimmy Turner.
Linda is survived by her husband, Ronald Knight, Sister, Judy Turner, daughters Stacy Avina (David), Samantha Hamrick, sons Jason Hamrick (Jackie), Ronnie Knight (Jennifer), and Parker Knight. Grandchildren James Rutherford, Elyse Avina, Madelyne Avina (great-grandchildren Erin, Elizabeth and Marceline), Jessie Ghyassi, Matthew Avina, Haylie Knight and Kylie Knight and multiple nieces and nephews.
All people die, but not all people live. Linda lived! She packed so much life into her seventy-eight years… She married and divorced, mended a broken heart, raised 3 kids, worked in a profession she loved, fell in love and still put one foot in front of the other battling what she knew from the start was an incurable cancer. She did so with grace, dignity, integrity, and courage. We find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in the love she gave so freely and the memories she leaves behind. If you want to, you can look for her in the evening sunset or with the earliest spring daffodils or among the flitting and fluttering butterflies. You know she’ll be there in one form or another. The world seems a little less beautiful without her. Mom opted for cremation so no formal funeral has been arranged. A memorial service will be set up at a later date.
Rest in peace, Mom. You will forever be in our hearts.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Cremation was under the care and direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
