Linda Sue Marshall, aged 74, of Norfolk, VA, passed away on the 26th of April, 2022 following a short illness. While born in Chicago, IL, she spent her life in Norfolk, graduating from Norview High School and attending Old Dominion University (ODU) earning an associate degree. She was married to James Marshall for 16 years and briefly lived in Illinois while he served in the Air Force. Upon return to Norfolk, Linda dedicated herself to raising her sons, eventually starting a career at ODU as a beloved secretary working more than 35 years in the engineering department. Linda was extremely supportive of her extended family, funding higher education for her sons, their wives, and her granddaughter. She had immense pride for their significant accomplishments. For 15 years, Linda attended her granddaughter’s dance recitals in Danville, VA, taking great pleasure in seeing Lindsay excel in many types of dances. Lindsay mirrored Linda’s childhood as Linda also took dance lessons and performed in recitals for more than 12 years. Linda’s first car was a 1965 Ford Mustang paid for though working as a dancer at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Officer’s Club; always chaperoned by her mother. Dance remained a favored activity throughout her whole life with frequent visits to local clubs on Saturdays with Dean. Another interest was travel, visiting multiple interesting locations to include: Great Britain, Hawaii, Mexico, San Diego, New Orleans, Orlando, and Charleston to name a few. In particular, Linda loved to travel to Baltimore every summer to watch baseball games, to visit the local Zoo, and to shop. Dean was Linda’s ever-present travel companion. A favorite pastime shared by Dean was playing cards. There were only a few weekends in the last 15+ years that did not involve playing with her dear friends, Mike and Hero Barker. Walking the ODU campus, her neighborhood, and all the local malls was a favored habit. In recent years, Linda developed a deep appreciation of the Norfolk Zoo often visiting weekly following her retirement. She is survived by her partner of 36 years, Dean Osborne; two sons, Brian Marshall and Steven Marshall; two grandchildren, Todd Marshall and Lindsay Marshall; two great-grandchildren, Brennan Marshall and Brady Marshall, and many other loving friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Ed Wise, and her mother, Eula Wise. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Norfolk Zoo.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 5-8 pm. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 10:30 am. All services will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens located at 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.woodlawnnorfolk.com.
