Memorial Merits

Linda Christine (Kotte) Adams

April 27, 1952 – May 18, 2025

Linda Christine (Kotte) Adams, 73, of Knoxville, TN; formerly of Berwyn, IL/Morton, IL passed away in her home, peacefully, in the company of her two children, on Tues., May 18, 2025, after a battle with Ovarian stage 3-B cancer.

Linda was born in Chicago, IL on April 27, 1952 to Frank James ‘Jim’ Kotte and June Elizabeth (Ogle-Singleton) Kotte.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tim Arthur Adams, two sisters; Barbara E. (Kotte) Fulara and Janice L. (Kotte) (Stoneberg) Stariha, a brother-in-law, Thomas Adams, Monticello, IN and her parents, Frank ‘Jim’ Kotte and June (Ogle-Singleton) Kotte, Wheaton, IL.

She is survived by her two children; daughter, Rachel A. (Adams) Askew (Greg), Knoxville, TN and son, Samuel J. Adams (Ashley Sims), Stamford, CT; her siblings, Mark J. Kotte (Theresa), John D. Kotte, James M. Kotte (Pamela) and Diane M. (Kotte) Lehrman (Fred); 2 grandchildren; Isaiah X. Adams-Askew and Carter G. Askew, many nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Max.

Linda graduated in 1970 from J. Sterling Morton West High School, Berwyn, IL. She studied at IL State University, Normal, IL, obtaining a BS in 1974 and a Masters in 1984. She spent over 30 years working in library education. She was employed at Deer Creek-Mackinaw H.S., Mackinaw, IL. In 1987, she, her husband, Tim and their two children, moved from Morton, IL to Knoxville, Tennessee. There she found employment in the KNOX County school system.

Her passion for learning and literacy touched countless lives, inspiring generations of students and readers, alike. Whether she was mentoring young educators or volunteering her time at the many church activities, the Washington Presbyterian Church Fall Apple Festival or other local non-profits, Linda gave of herself generously and without hesitation. She showed steadfast faith, a kind spirit and quiet strength.

Her love of and for animals brought her great joy; especially when she and her husband, Tim were able to travel to Africa on Safaris. Throughout the years, Linda enjoyed sharing her time with her husband, Tim as he worked as the Education Curator at the Glen Oak Zoo, Peoria, IL for seven years and then they relocated to Knoxville, TN, and Tim started an education program at the ‘Zoo Knoxville’, which he ran for 18 years. Linda will be greatly missed by the many people that knew her and her kindness and generosity of love.

She lived her life in the same manner as the quote of President, Ronald Reagan, which followed her email signature each time, when reaching out to family and friends: ‘Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.’

A tribute and a memorial service was held at the Washington Presbyterian Church, Corryton, Tennessee on Sat., June 21, 2025.

Memorials may be made to the Washington Presbyterian Church Fall Apple Festival Committee, Corryton, TN or the Wesley House Community Center, Knoxville, TN.