Listen to Obituary

Linda Carol Carty Foster of Jonesborough, TN left our world for her heavenly home on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Linda was born on January 25, 1946, in Clintwood, Virginia. She was the wife of almost 41 years to Donnie Foster of Jonesborough, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Walter and Gertrude Sutherland Carty and her sister, Francis Pauline Carty Adams and nephew David Adams. She leaves behind her nieces, Jennifer Pullum (Stephen) of Wilmington, NC and Julie Emig (Gary) of Knoxville. She also leaves her great nephews, Skyler Pullum (Katie) of Wilmington, NC and Adam Emig of Knoxville, TN as well as great nieces, Maddison Johnson (Cale) of Harrisburg, NC, Lindsey Pullum of Raleigh, NC, Meaghan Jenkins (Tim) of Knoxville, TN, and Katie Wright (Brian) of Chattanooga, TN. She loved her great-great nieces, Anastasia Leigh Beard, Ella Grace Wright, Ellie Johnson, and great-great nephew Webb Pullum. She loved to shop for these little kids better than anything and the kids knew that she took special care in picking out “just the right gift” for each and every one of them! She leaves behind many cousins that were special to her always. Most especially, Linda leaves behind Reese, her wonderful pup! Nightly, Linda, Reese, and Donnie spent their evenings enjoying their TV shows together.

After receiving her BS in Social Work from East Tennessee State University, Linda had a very long and wonderful career as a social worker first in Dickenson County, Virginia and ending in Washington County, Tennessee. Helping others and being an advocate for those in need was her passion.

On June 1, 1985, Linda married the love of her life, Donnie Foster. Throughout their lives together, they worked on their house, ate at their very favorite restaurants, and devoted themselves as season ticket holders to ETSU football and basketball where they enjoyed their great seats, cheered on their team, and wore their ETSU swag with gusto! Go Bucs!!!!
Linda was a light! She was always laughing and all of her pictures on Facebook showed her loving those friends that brought joy to her life!

Linda and Grandma made life special for her sister, Pauline’s kids. “Christmas didn’t start until Grandma and Aunt Linda came to town”. Linda and Grandma would shop almost all year and when they pulled in the driveway, it was incredible to “unload the Firebird”! For her nieces, those Christmas memories are a forever and cherished memory.

QVC….need I say more! Packages would just show up because Linda saw it and thought, “you know, I think, Pauline, Jenny or Julie, or one of the kids would love this!” We will miss her love for shopping and the joy she got out of shopping for others.

Linda turned 80 this past January. She couldn’t believe it! Of course, Donnie took her to her favorite restaurant to celebrate and she posted a great picture of her enjoying her cheesecake for dessert! She was delighted with all of the birthday wishes she received on Facebook. She was so grateful for these birthday wishes from the bottom of her heart. Her very big heart!

We were all fortunate to have loved Linda and been a part of her shining spirit. May we all reflect on her life, her wonderful laugh, and her smile and smile back.

Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Glenn Sluss officiating. A Visitation will take place prior to the service from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Graveside Services will be at Mountain Home National Cemetery at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 20, 2026. Everyone who would like to go in procession to the cemetery is asked to meet at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home by 10:30 AM.