Linda Joyce Bynum entered her heavenly home on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the age of 81. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.

A memorial service celebrating Linda's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Broadway Baptist Church, with Pastor Lee Herring officiating. The service may be viewed live at  https://www.youtube.com/live/Ucaklh15Lg0?si=fmB94JbDllJ_hIre 

or

 https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gy8BzMjnt/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Linda was born on May 9, 1943, in Vian, Oklahoma, to Joe Frances Cotner and Clara Lavine (Wells) Cotner. She grew up in Vian, where she was active in youth groups at Vian Baptist Church. She graduated from Vian High School in 1961 before attending Northeastern State College, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She later pursued and obtained her master's degree in education.

Linda devoted her career to shaping young minds in the Sand Springs school system. She began teaching at Limestone Elementary School before moving to Angus Valley Elementary, where she taught first grade for decades. Teaching children to read was her passion, and she was known for her kind, patient, and effective approach in the classroom. She was a model professional educator whose legacy lives on through the hundreds of students she taught and the colleagues she inspired. Linda retired in 2010, leaving behind a profound impact on education in Sand Springs.

Her dedication extended beyond the classroom. She served many years as the president of the Sand Springs Teachers Association and the Sand Springs Education Foundation, making significant contributions to local education. She was recognized as Sand Springs Teacher of the Year—an honor later shared by her son, Michael, when he was named Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year.

Linda was a woman of deep faith, never missing a Sunday at Broadway Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member of her Sunday school class. She found joy in listening to gospel music, especially The Gaithers, as well as country music, which she followed throughout her life. She and her husband, Bob, were also avid NASCAR fans, passionately cheering for Dale Jarrett and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

She enjoyed traveling, especially to the beach with her sisters, and dedicated time to charitable work, including serving Meals on Wheels. Her family remembers her as funny, loving, and dedicated, with a warmth that endeared her to all who knew her. Her sisters often said she was "the pretty one," but she was also deeply compassionate and family-oriented.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Robert Ray "Bob" Bynum, in 2024. Just a day before her passing, she also lost her cherished son, Michael Tullie Bynum. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Clara Cotner; brother, Joe Bill Cotner, and brother-in-law, Don Spears.

She is survived by her daughter, Cassie Weigle and husband, Jed; her grandchildren: Cole Weigle, Skyler Bynum and wife, Christina, Tyler Bynum and fiancée, Dinesha, and Alexander Bynum and fiancée, Kenady; and her great-granddaughter, Chloe Bynum. She is also survived by her sisters: Brenda May Spears of Vian, Carolyn Sue Williams and husband, Ned, of Pawnee, and Sally Annette Simon and husband, Jerry Paul, of Vian; sister-in-law, Joyce Cotner; along with numerous extended family members, former students, and dear friends who will miss her dearly.

Linda Bynum lived a life of purpose, faith, and love, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.