SEPTEMBER 11, 1948 – OCTOBER 1, 2026
In the Care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors
Linda Ann Rowland Gaston, 78, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 1, 2026. Born September 11, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, Linda lived a life rooted in faith and devoted to family. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, and friend, she leaves a lasting legacy in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
Linda was born to Ira Martin Rowland and Wanda Lea White Rowland and grew up in Southeast Dallas. One of four sisters, she shared a special bond with Beverly, Donna, and Rosemary. Their closeness was filled with laughter and memories that lasted a lifetime. The sisters could finish one another’s stories, especially when laughter got in the way of the telling.
Linda graduated from W. W. Samuell High School in Dallas in 1966 and attended East Texas State University, now East Texas A&M University. During her college years, she became a member of Alpha Phi sorority, beginning a cherished family legacy that would continue through her daughter, sisters, and many nieces. What began as a sisterhood during her college years became a special bond shared across generations of her family. She later earned a master’s degree from Pan American University, a predecessor of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and continued her education through doctoral coursework. Education was both her calling and a lifelong pursuit.
Linda spent many years teaching junior high and high school students. She taught theater, English, Spanish, and French in Harlingen, West Rusk, White Oak, Tyler, Lindale, and Dallas. Her students loved her, and her influence reached far beyond the lessons she taught. She encouraged young people to find their voices and recognize what they could accomplish.
One special chapter of her teaching life came when she substituted in her daughter Robin’s elementary classroom in Mesquite. After a career teaching older students, she experienced the world of elementary education firsthand. It was a meaningful connection between two generations of educators.
Linda’s Christian faith was central to her life. She attended First Baptist Church of Lindale and Mimosa Lane Baptist Church for many years, teaching Sunday School and forming friendships that endured. Her church communities were places where she shared her faith and found a sense of belonging.
Above all, Linda loved her family. She was a proud mother and a devoted grandmother to Caleb and Sophie. She cared deeply about their lives and always wanted to know they were safe and well. Her love was constant, even when it came with a grandmother’s share of concern.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Don Lee Gaston; her parents, Ira Martin and Wanda Lea Rowland; her sister, Beverly Jean Rowland Ivy; and her brothers, James “Jimmy” Rowland, Paul Martin Rowland, and David Rowland.
She is survived by her son, Chase Meissner; her daughter, Robin D’Ann Pizzitola and husband Vince; her grandchildren, Caleb Westlee Johnson and Sophie Ann Nguyen and husband Aven; her sisters, Donna Smith and Rosemary Mach; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Linda leaves behind the lessons she taught and the faith she shared. Her influence lives on in her family and in the students who carried something from her classroom into their own lives. While those who loved her will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing she is at peace in the presence of her Savior, free from the worries of this world.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 16, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial at Sunset Memorial Park afterwards.