Linda Gale White

Mark W. White Jr.

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(m. 1966⁠–⁠2017)​

Linda Gale White
First Lady of Texas
In office 18 January 1983 –20 January 1987
Children	3
Alma mater	Baylor University (BBA)
Occupation	Educator, civic leader

Linda Gale Thompson White (born June 13, 1942) is an American educator and civic leader who served as the first lady of Texas from January 18, 1983, to January 20, 1987, during the administration of Governor Mark W. White Jr. ^{[1] [2]}

Early life and education

White was born in Dallas County and raised in Irving, the eldest child of Robert L. and Lisa Marie Thompson. ^[1] She graduated from Irving public schools and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University in 1964. She married Mark White in 1966 while he was completing studies at Baylor Law School. ^{[1] [3]}

Career

White began her career teaching English at Johnston High School in Austin and later in the Houston public‑school system. ^[1]

First lady of Texas (1983–1987)

As first lady, she helped introduce the Communities In Schools (CIS) dropout‑prevention model to Texas, overseeing its initial rollout in five cities. ^[2] In February 1984, she toured Paris, Ennis, Belton, Brownwood and Goliad to launch Texas Main Street preservation projects that linked historic conservation with economic development. In October 1986, she spoke at the University of Texas at Tyler on statewide education reforms. ^[4] That month, she also presented the Texas Employment Awards recognizing inclusive workplaces. ^[5]

References

1. "Linda Gale White". Texas Woman's University. Archived from the original on 20 April 2025. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
2. "The Honorable Mark (In Memoriam) and Linda Gale White". The Social Book. 2016. Archived from the original on 14 May 2025. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
3. Fogleman, Lori (5 August 2017). "Baylor University mourns passing of Gov. Mark White". Baylor University News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
4. "Intercom – 13 October 1986". Scholar Works at UT Tyler. 13 October 1986. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
5. "Linda Gale White Presented Seven Top Employment Awards" (PDF). Texas Governor's Office via The Portal to Texas History. October 1986. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2025.