Linda King Youngblood
Linda King Youngblood of Appomattox, Virginia
July 5, 1952 - October 16, 2023
Linda King Youngblood, 71, of Appomattox, VA went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 16, 2023. She was called to heaven after a brief, but intense battle with an aggressive lymphoma cancer. She was the loving, faithful wife of Gary G. Youngblood for 53 years.
Born in Wytheville, Virginia on July 5, 1952, Linda was the daughter of Clarence R. King and Thelma Lowe King.
In addition to her husband Gary, Linda is survived by her two daughters, Julie Waldo and Jody LaForce and their families – including seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, plus three more great-grandchildren on the way. Julie’s family includes husband, R.L. Waldo and their four children, Drew Waldo (Raven), Rachel Turner (Jonathan), Noah Waldo (Tatum), and Grace Collins (Pell) of Appomattox, VA; great-grandchildren, Miller, Seth, Tilley, Elory, Samuel and Truett. Jody’s family includes husband, Tucker LaForce, and their three children, Faith, Parker and Millie of Moneta, VA. Linda is survived by her sister, Gayle King Sutherland of Hardy, VA and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers: Robert R. “Bobby,” C. Duane, and Edward H. “Eddie” King.
A graduate of Fries High School, Linda earned a BS in Organizational Management & Leadership from Bluefield College, Magna Cum Laude. Her work experience included Schewels Furniture Company, where she served as a successful store manager at several locations. Linda was also Centra Health, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator for 10 years. At Centra, Linda developed a strong love and respect for nurses and the nursing profession. Prior to retirement, Linda also worked as a Human Resource Officer for Harris Corporation.
More importantly, Linda was a strong Christian mother and wife, valuing the importance of family and family relationships. Early in their marriage, Linda and Gary re-dedicated their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. Linda lived out her faith in exemplary fashion. Linda loved the Lord, she loved people, she loved children. She loved to encourage young mothers, young couples and young families to follow after God. Linda appreciated the outdoors; she enjoyed photographing and sharing God’s creation with others. Over her life, Linda served in a number of roles at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox – most recently as Personnel Chair. She was loved not only by her family, but by so many others of whom she made contact. Linda and her family were overwhelmed by the expressions of love, concern and prayers that were extended by so many during her illness.
There will be two services celebrating Linda’s life, with Rev. Dr. Rusty Small and Pastor Tucker LaForce officiating. The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home in Appomattox on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 5 to 6:30 pm. A memorial service will be held at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 2 pm. The following day, Monday, October 23, 2023, a funeral service will be held at Mount Hope Church, near Fries, VA at 1 pm with burial following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be considered for the following: Pregnancy Support Center, PO Box 281, Farmville, VA 23901; Liberty Baptist Church, Liberty 2 Minister More Fund, PO Box 485, Appomattox VA 24522; or Gideons International, Appomattox Camp, PO Box 486, Appomattox VA 24522.
Robinson Funeral and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com.
