Linda Kay Clifton age 74 of Booneville passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at her home. She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law and friend to many. She was a member of Booneville First Baptist Church.
Linda was born on September 23, 1949. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Gary Clifton, children, Jon Clifton (Amber) and Jeff Clifton all of Booneville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard “Sap” and Maxine (McGee) Rowan and infant brother, Eugene Rowan of the Alpine Community.
She graduated from East Union Attendance Center and received her Associate’s Degree from Northeast Junior College. She received her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education from Mississippi State University.
Linda was a woman of grace, courage and determination, driven by a passion to create success for herself, family and students. Linda was an inspiration to all that knew her, often bringing a positive disposition of difficult situations.
Linda was a teacher and school administrator who served primarily at Booneville Middle School and Tupelo Middle School. She not only improved education in her community, but also nationwide by serving as AASHTO TRAC and RIDES Technical Service Program Manager. She also served as Mississippi Department of Transportation TRAC and RIDES Coordinator. Sharing her knowledge, she wrote grants herself and taught other educators to write their own. Two of Linda’s most impactful accomplishments included raising funds for Booneville Middle School Environmental Education Building, Auditorium and the Observatory Building, as well as Tupelo Middle School Transploreum Math and Science Training Facility. Linda received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. She also received the Administrator of the Year award in two districts.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Alexander, Jody Avent, Reed Beaty, Chance Burcham, Spencer Burleson, Chris Hardy, Daniel Hardy, Ricky Hardy, Brad Mixon, Phil Reed and Mark Robbins.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 21st from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and the funeral on Thursday, February 22nd at 1:00 p.m., at Waters Funeral Home in Baldwyn with Bro. Chris McClusky and Bro. Mark Robbins officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made through Tupelo’s Association for Educational Excellence c/o CREATE Foundation or Booneville School District Foundation, c/o Thom Floyd, Renasant Bank, Booneville.
