Linda Allen

Linda Sue Slagle Allen, 61, of Lookout Mountain, was gathered by the Lord on Monday, March 10, 2014, at 12:15 p.m. We lost our dear friend, who has been part of our lives for more years than we will sometimes admit. Several of us met Linda for the first time in the fifth grade when she arrived at East Brainerd Elementary with her freckles and her smile. She was scary smart and played a mean tether ball, and we loved her from the beginning. Our lifelong sister-deep friendships were sealed, though, during the Tyner Jr. and Tyner High years where she always had a smile on her face, her slumber parties were legendary and she never had a negative thing to say about anyone. She loved the band and Mr. Wilmoth, but she mostly loved life with her family and friends. She could be goofy silly and proud of it.... and that didnt ever change. That part about Linda being scary smart.... if she hadnt been born in the 50s and in the South, she would have been a doctor. It was her greatest regret and it nagged her always. But, upon retiring after 30 years as a successful pharmaceutical sales rep, she went to nursing school for two reasons: to immerse herself more deeply in the medical world that she loved and to help people. She didn't get the chance to be work after her graduation from nursing school in 2012 because her first symptoms from ALS appeared, a diagnosis that was delivered in January 2013. She referred to her diagnosis as the beginning of a journey, and she resolved to live every day from that point as best she could. It wasnt easy, and the struggles shouldnt be glossed over, but she smiled and stuck that thumb in the air and carried on conversations by writing notes and then later by texting. She always asked about other people first. She so appreciated the notes and cards and flowers that her friends continue to send her. She was humbled and touched by the love and support others showed her, and we want you who shared your hearts with her to know how much she, and we, appreciate it. She is survived by her only son, Trip, who came home a year ago to care for his mother. He was her constant caretaker --and she was her happiest when he was there with her. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 17, at the funeral home. Share your memories, stories and photos at wannfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, St. Elmo, 423- 821-7551.