Linda Terrell Schmidt

Linda Susan Terrell Schmidt of Bradenton, Florida, was released of her suffering into the arms of Jesus by her loving husband Jerry on January 19, 2021. Linda fought a courageous battle with destructive rheumatoid arthritis and its many complications for 40 years. She was born January 26, 1952, and raised in Newark, Ohio by her parents Wayne and Vonda Bachelor Terrell, both deceased.

At the age of 18, Linda accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and from that moment on she sought to live a fruitful, blessed life under the divine guidance of The Holy Spirit. Her young adult life was an active one as she raised five energetic children, volunteered at her church, and loved and taught many young minds in her home Christian day care. That small day care grew into what later became the first kindergarten class of the Tabernacle Christian school in Sarasota, FL. Linda also sold real estate, ran her own security business, and studied for a life in ministry. In the fall of 1997, the Lord blessed Linda by uniting her in marriage to her soul mate Jerry Schmidt, a minister of God and a missionary to Haiti and other impoverished countries. Together, they founded Schmidt International Ministries in 2002 with Linda as the Vice President. From there, they started numerous Bible Schools, trained up preachers, built churches, and supported orphanages. Linda and Jerry were instrumental in bringing many lost souls to Jesus for salvation. When they moved back to the US after a year in Haiti, they continued serving the Lord and continued their commitment to ministry with Linda’s working with the homeless and Jerry taking many missions trips to multiple countries.

While Linda is reunited with loved ones in Heaven, she is still together in spirit with her sweetheart Jerry, who lovingly cared for her around the clock for many years. Jerry will dedicate his work to Linda while he continues serving the Lord through their ministry. Linda leaves behind her five children- 3 sons and 2 daughters- whom she loved affectionately and unconditionally. Her youngest daughter Sarah Kleppinger of Sarasota, FL, blessed Linda with two sweet granddaughters Alexis and Aliyah Moncato. Together, this three-some was a treasure to Linda. They were so loving of her and were always by her side through the best and hardest of times. She loved spending time with them. Her oldest daughter, Elizabeth Pence of Sarasota, FL, spent numerous years away from Florida and added four grandchildren: Monica, Dominique, Brianna, and Christopher Norton-Nugin. Linda’s youngest son Joel of Bradenton, FL, his beautiful wife Sarah, and precious baby Krew spent hours together sharing so much joy with Linda and Jerry. Linda always had a special relationship with her affectionate, doting, youngest son. Her two other sons are: Jireh, who searches for new adventures across the US, and Titus Kleppinger of Colorado Springs, CO, the father of six awesome grandchildren: Natalia Parry, Kaleigh St Germain, Siana, Keaton, Madilynn, and Tanner Kleppinger. Linda also had a deep love and respect for her daughter-in-law Emily Kleppinger. She led Emily to the Lord and witnessed what a virtuous wife, mother, and teacher she became. Linda’s other daughter-in-law Tuesdae Kleppinger also held a special place in Linda’s heart with her strength, resilience, and love for the Lord.

Left also to cherish Lin’s memory are her siblings, their families, and countless friends around the world including her lifelong best friend Karin Froberg Marzano. Her sisters are Patrice Terrell of The Villages, FL, and Rena Sarioberry (husband Richard) of Grove City, OH. Her brothers are Jeff Terrell (wife Jeannie) of Mooresville, NC, and Ron Terrell (wife DeEtte) of San Jose, CA. Her aunt Marcita Bennett of Newark, OH, has always been prayerfully at Linda’s side regardless of distance. She loved and supported her every step of the way from childhood, through motherhood, and in all aspects of her life. Words cannot adequately express the loss Marcita feels today, but she holds onto the joy of knowing that Linda is with Jesus and they will be together again in our eternal home.

A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held on February 21, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Christian Retreat 1200 Glory Way Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34212 at 1 PM, a reception will be held after the service. Pastor Phil Derstine will be doing the services. Interment will be at Sarasota National Cemetery on February 26th at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, Jerry requests donations be made to Schmidt International Ministries* to be used to finish building a church in Haiti, and dedicated in Linda’s honor as a memorial.

*Schmidt International Ministries is a tax exempt 5013(C)(3) corp. All contributions are tax deductible and can be mailed to: Schmidt International Ministries, 4433 Fern Drive, Bradenton, Florida 34208.