Linda Palmer Barnett

Linda Palmer Barnett, 78, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 29, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Linda was born on February 4, 1948, to the late Jim and Dorotha Palmer of Athens, Tennessee. She moved to Cleveland in 1981 and went on to have a successful career at BellSouth. Linda began her career working as an operator and then moved onto the telephone mainframe, a role held by few women at the time. She later became an electronic technician and built a successful career at BellSouth, where she made a name for herself and formed friendships that would last a lifetime.

Linda had an incredible work ethic and never liked to sit still. Even after retiring from BellSouth, she continued working various jobs, including one of her favorites at Tuesday Morning. Eventually, Linda retired for good to take on what she considered her most important and favorite job of all: being a full-time grandmother.

Linda was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Above all else, she loved her two sons, Spencer and Clark Barnett, who were the center of her world. There was nothing she wouldn't have done for them. Her granddaughters, Peayton and Layla, held an especially precious place in her heart and brought her immeasurable joy.

Outside of work, Linda found joy in the simple things she loved most-gardening, collecting antiques, keeping a clean white car, and spending time sitting on her front porch. Linda also had a lifelong love of music, and if Bob Seger was playing, you could be sure she was listening.

Those who knew Linda will remember her sense of humor, her strong will, her kindness, and the love she had for the people in her life.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her best friend and sister, Brenda Saunders and her brother, Ray Palmer.

She is survived by her sons, Spencer and Clark Barnett; granddaughters, Peayton and Layla; siblings, Jimmy and Butch Palmer; and her beloved dog, Meeko.

While Linda will be deeply missed, her family will carry with them the many memories, laughter, and love she gave throughout her life. And as one of her favorite Bob Seger songs reminds us, it is simply time to "Turn the Page"-but Linda's story will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

A celebration of Linda's life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Linda's memory to the R2-D2Bradley County SPCA.

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Chattanooga, especially Jen, Felica, Chris, Gunner, Jacob, Shasta, Shawn and Mary, for the kindness, compassion, and care they showed Linda and her family during this time.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Linda or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.