Linda Bell Tolbert

Linda Bell Tolbert, age 79, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her residence in the early morning hours of June 17, 2026.

Born on April 13, 1947, in Copperhill, Tennessee, Linda spent most of her life in Cleveland, where she built a loving home, nurtured deep friendships, and devoted herself to her family. She was known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Linda was a faithful Christian and was of the Baptist faith. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the compassion, generosity, and care she showed to family, friends, neighbors, and even the animals she so dearly loved.

She shared 38 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Dewell Glen Tolbert. Together they built a life grounded in love, commitment, and family.

Linda found great joy in gardening and caring for flowers, especially her beloved red roses, which brought beauty and color to her home. She also had a deep love for animals and spent much of her life caring for numerous cats and dogs. Her nurturing spirit extended not only to her family but also to every animal fortunate enough to find a home in her care.

Above all, Linda treasured her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest happiness came from spending time with those she loved. Her wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love will remain a lasting gift to her family for generations to come.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Walter James Bell and Irene Ollie Simonds Bell; her brothers, James Guinn Bell and George Edward Bell; and her sister, Rita Ann Bell Bingham.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years, Dewell Glen Tolbert; her sister, Jewell Ruby Bell Sayne; her daughters, Lela Maddux and husband, Jack Maddux, Patsy Sledge, and Michelle Winters; and her son, Travis Sledge.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Alex Maddux, Candace Sledge, Wesley Andrew Maddux, Joseph Sledge, Carmen Quintanilla, Conner Sledge, Savannah Winters, Sydney Winters, and Haven Brown; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Cayden Floyd, Camden Moses, and Isabell Maddux.

To those who knew Linda best, she was so much more than the titles she carried. When her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were asked to describe her, they spoke from the heart, calling her beautiful, resilient, pure, kind, and a beautiful spirit. They described her as an angel, a source of unconditional love, and the family's steadfast rock. They remembered her as unfailing, humble, and feisty, a woman whose strength and determination carried her through life's challenges. To them, she embodied everything good, and the love she shared will continue to guide and inspire them throughout their lives.

Linda's love, faith, strength, and gentle presence touched countless lives. Though her family grieves her loss, they take comfort in the memories she leaves behind and in the enduring legacy of kindness, compassion, and devotion that defined her life.

Her memory will continue to bloom like her beloved red roses in the hearts of those who knew her, loved her, and were blessed by her presence.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Matthew 25:23

Linda will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening, June 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 6:30 PM in the Ridge Sanctuary of Companion Funeral & Cremation Service located at 2412 Georgetown Road NW in Cleveland, TN. A service celebrating Linda's life will take place on that night at 6:30 PM with the Reverend Cary Ryan officiating.

The interment and committal service will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Alex Maddux, Joseph Sledge, Conner Sledge, Hunter Quintanilla, Cayden Floyd and Camden Moses will serve as pallbearers.

As Linda will be laid to rest at Chattanooga National Cemetery, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Bradley County SPCA in her honor. Her love for animals was a defining part of her life, and this tribute would have meant so much to her.