Obituary of Linda Gallant Cothran

Linda Grace Gallant Cothran, 79, died Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from a sudden discovery of cancer. She was born in Walhalla, South Carolina on February 26, 1945, to Anthony “Tony” Gallant and Grace Haulbrook Gallant. Her father was stationed in Italy during WWII at the time of her birth.

She graduated from Lompoc High School in Lompoc, California (Vandenberg AFB) and Rock Hill’s Winthrop College with a bachelor’s degree in business when it was a women’s college. She made lifetime friends in college who she shared countless memories with over the last 50+ years.

Linda traveled to many places in and outside the United States as a child because her dad served with the U.S. Air Force.  All who knew her, knew the pride she carried for all service members serving our country.  She met the love of her life, Donald Wayne Cothran, on Fort Jackson upon his return from serving in Vietnam. They were married 55 years.

Linda’s goal in life after making Columbia her forever home, was to make as many friends as possible and to surround herself with great people who brought her joy. Her lifetime friends not only came from college, but also her work place of 30 years at the National Education Telecommunications Association (NETA), her Sunday School Class at Capital View Baptist Church, the Temple Rays’ Senior Group at Temple Baptist Church, her Sunday School at Shandon Baptist Church, her Bible Study Group at Temple Baptist Church, and her ladies’ group.

She enjoyed baking her famous chocolate frosted cupcakes, upside down pineapple cakes and many other dishes. She always knew who enjoyed which dish and how to bring a smile even down to bringing chocolate candies to a meal.  

She loved entertaining and would make up themes if a holiday was too far away to bring friends together. She was known for hosting birthday parties for Elvis and how much she loved his music. Her party planning never stopped even in her last days. If she was not visiting or calling someone, she was mailing cards to stay connected. And she was known for never turning down an invite for lunch or to anyone’s church dinner. 

She loved planning trips if it meant a new adventure or to meet up with family and friends near and far. Linda loved her family, her aunts and uncles, all of her cousins, and her brother at heart, Raymond Haulbrook. And, Linda’s love for her only son, Michael Gallant Cothran and his wife, Cynthia Harbin Cothran, goes without saying. 

Her life lessons to share with others were: love God, family, friends and country; surround yourself with friends and you will be richly blessed; do more of what makes you happy; travel and make new memories; save where you can to spend where you want; and last but not least, live life with a servant’s heart.  

Her wings were ready, but we are not.  

Linda was predeceased by her husband, parents, and several cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial to either Shandon Baptist Church’s Victory Ranch Ministry (5250 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206) or to a ministry of your choosing.  

Visitation for Linda Cothran will be held from 11am - 12:45pm Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. A graveside service will follow the visitation at 1 pm in Greenlawn Memorial Park.