FARMER, BEATRICE ‘BEA’ LINKE Beatrice ‘Bea’ Link Farmer, age 83 of Gainesville, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, Fla. She was born June 2, 1934 in Providence, Rhode Island to Fred W. Linke and Evelyn M. Parent.

Bea moved to Homestead, FL in 1944 and graduated from Homestead High School in 1952. She attended the University of Florida where she met future husband, Norm Farmer, and they were married in June 1954. She later went on to finish her Bachelor’s degree from U of F in 1966. Bea become an avid Fla Gator fan and remained in that status until her death.

During her 21 years as an Air Force officer’s wife, Bea was very active in USAF Family Services. Over those years, she lived in Japan, Guam, Puerto Rico, Texas, Mississippi, Florida and California. Bea earned a Master’s degree in counseling from U of F in 1974. Bea was employed by Pepperdine University and the Biloxi, MS school system from 1975 to 1982. Upon her return to Gainesville in 1982, Bea worked for the FL Job Corp until June 1987

She finished her working career as a social worker for Florida Children and Families in 1998. She remained active in outreach work in her churches of Covenant Presbyterian and Westminster Presbyterian. As a board member for the Preserve, a young men’s transition house, she was active until her death by a short illness caused by cancer.

Bea is survived by her husband, Norman ‘Norm’ Lee Farmer; son, Norman Lee Farmer Jr. of San Antonio, TX; son Stephen A. Farmer of Interlachen, FL; son Paul E. Farmer of Palatka FL; son David W. Farmer of High Springs, FL; daughter, Janet L. Farmer Ebner of Searcy, AR; and brother, Freddie Linke of Jacksonville, FL; and nine grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1521 NW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32605, with Dr. Larry Green officiating.