Linda Robinson

Linda K. Robinson, 66, former Principal and Head of School at Gloria Dei Lutheran School, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2020, after a courageous fourteenth-month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and close friends. Linda was born on June 1, 1954, in Bernice, Louisiana, to parents Ann Boone and the late Duie L. Brantley. She attended Radford University and went on to complete her Elementary Education Degree and post-graduate courses at Old Dominion University. Linda is survived by her mother, Ann Boone; son, Christopher Robinson (Jennifer); her two cherished grandchildren, Kristina and Logan; and the following aunts and uncle in Bernice, LA: Maudellen Hollis, Sue Buckley, Johnny Buckley, Barbara Yarbrough, and Cathy Buckley. She also leaves to cherish her memory her dear friends and chosen family, Mary and Joe Capone and their daughter, Stephanie Payne (Jeremy), along with countless other close friends, colleagues, and former students. Linda started her career at Gloria Dei Lutheran School in Hampton, Virginia, in 1977. She worked as a preschool teacher and third grade teacher before moving into administration. Linda held the positions of Child Care Director and Assistant Principal prior to serving as Principal for 29 years. She retired in June of 2020 after 43 years of faithful and dedicated service. She was a gentle soul put on this earth to help and serve others. She worked tirelessly for the good of the school, her staff, and her students. Whether it was organizing a school carnival and testing out the inflatable slide, working a Barnes and Noble Christmas event, or participating in a Chick-Fil-A fundraiser, Linda was always present and leading the efforts. Students will fondly remember her having a different Christmas sweater for each day in December, and staff will remember her quest to find matching shoes for every dress or outfit. Linda was an excellent leader who showed compassion and understanding. Many of her closest friends were past and present staff members, which is a true testament to the type of leader she was in life. Linda was full of life and laughter and loved to make others smile. She could find the best in any situation and would often be heard saying, “but the good news is.” In her free time there was nothing she loved more than to spend time with her precious grandchildren, Kristina and Logan. She loved and spoiled them as only a Nana could. Linda was a lover of music with a song for every occasion. She could often be heard singing to herself after hearing a word from a favorite song. Linda was also a lover of all animals and had many pets throughout the years, including dogs, cats, and ducks. She most recently started fostering kittens and they brought her much joy during the past few months. There are countless, heartfelt stories of her dropping everything to rescue animals from roadsides, creeks, ditches, and even from under buildings. She shared this love of animals with her son and grandchildren. Most importantly, Linda loved and served God. She used her gifts and talents to serve the Lord through Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and its day school and child care ministry. Well done good and faithful servant. The family wishes to thank the following Riverside Hospital departments: Imaging, 4th Floor Neuro, Riverside Rehabilitation, Shoreview Outpatient Therapy, Riverside Oncology, Riverside Neurosurgery, and Personal Touch Home care, and her Occupational and Physical Therapist who worked with her to gain her independence. A special thanks to Riverside Hospice, who cared for Linda with absolute kindness, grace and respect. The family wants to express their gratitude to the staff Gloria Dei Lutheran School Staff for all the cards, flowers, meals, and visits which meant so very much to her. Due to COVID restrictions, there will not be an in-person public funeral. There will be a small private service on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at 1:30 PM, where she will be interred in the Garden of the Saints at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with The Reverend Dr. Phyllis B. Milton officiating. We invite you to join us virtually through a live stream on Parklawn Wood Funeral Home’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ParklawnWood Once COVID restrictions are lifted, we will arrange a memorial service to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Linda K. Robinson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda’s honor to either of the following: The Linda K. Robinson Scholarship Fund, c/o Gloria Dei Lutheran School, ATTN: Lisa Dadez 250 Fox Hill Road, Hampton, VA 23669 or Misfit Farms, c/o Lori Buckley, 3078 Highway 519, Athens, LA 71003, Paypal.me/misfitfarms1615m9