Kristina Noel Linker Johnson, 1968-2020

Kristina Noel Linker Johnson, 52, of Quitman passed away April 28, 2020 in Tyler. 

In light of the current social distancing guidelines, there will not be a public viewing or service at this time. The immediate family will gather for a private service and plan a large celebration of life in the coming months when it is safe to do so. Friends, family, students and community will be encouraged to attend. 

Kristina was born in Nocona to Robert Wayne Linker and Janelle Atkins Linker on April 18, 1968. She attended Quitman High School and the University of Texas at Tyler, receiving a bachelor of arts in journalism. She taught English and theater arts at Quitman High School for 29 years, retiring in late 2019. She enjoyed a very fulfilling and successful career as the QHS theater director, taking her students to University Interscholastic League competitions in prose and poetry as well as One Act Play. She led her One Act Play students to win multiple district, area and regional championships, including six appearances at the state competition in Austin. She was nominated by a student and received the national Coca-Cola Educator of Distinction award in 2009. She was instrumental in creating the Sue Barber Memorial Scholarship and annual performance as well as a 20-year run of a well-attended dinner theater for the community from which proceeds supported the vibrant theater program.

Kristina was a member of Broad Street Church of Christ in Mineola, where she used theater integration techniques to teach bible stories to youth early in her career. 

Kristina is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Alex Johnson of Denver, Colo.; parents, Robert and Janelle Linker of Quitman; sister, Shannon Linker; niece, Sloan Linker Fitch; brother-in-law, Thomas Fitch of Indianapolis, Ind.; and numerous cousins, uncles, aunts and countless former students, colleagues and friends.