Retired elementary school teacher Linda Jeanette Sterling Kemp entered the Glory of Heaven on October 3, 2024, at the age of 81, after completing a full Christian life of faith, family, career, and community. She was one of many generations born into a loving family off Sterling Creek in Naxera, Gloucester County, Va. After returning to Gloucester from their duty station, Travis AFB Calif., she and her husband Billy grew their family before his unexpected death on July 5, 1970. As a single mother, she was supported by her loving family while raising her three daughters. She later committed herself to her college academics and completed a BA in Education at the College of William and Mary. Her love for the Lord allowed her to serve children in the church nursery for decades. Her education allowed her to serve children for decades in teaching. Her faith led her to support many Christian missions. Her Godly character is her legacy as she imparted to those who knew her a generous spirit, a humble heart, and a gentleness to help and encourage. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmo Sr. and Lucille Sterling; brother, Elmo Sterling Jr.; sister-in-law, Donna Sterling; brother-in-law, Al Booker, and in-laws, Beverly and Kitty Kemp. Linda is survived by three daughters, Charlene West (Morris Jr.), Billie Jean Pickford (Christopher), and Penny Smith (Cheslie); grandchildren, Joy Whiddon (Robert), Mark West (Morgan), Jeb Pickford, Ashton Pickford, Conrad Pickford, Stone Pickford (Paris), Cade Pickford, Val Pickford (Maiya), and Benjamin Smith; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Hartman (Shawn), Regan Sampson, Belle Sampson, Henry West, Harvey West, Ellie Pickford, Sybil Pickford, and Cooper Pickford; siblings, Wayne Sterling, Janice Booker, Dennis Sterling (Robin), and sister-in-law, Jean Sterling. She was blessed with a large family and many friends. The visitation was on Monday, October 7, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home. Funeral service, conducted by the Rev. Jared Berry, was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Union Baptist Church; interment followed in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. It is with love and gratitude we ask that you make a contribution of love to Bible Broadcasting Network, P.O. Box 7300, Charlotte, N.C. 28241 or Union Baptist Church, 9254 Guinea Road, Hayes, Va. 23072, or Severn Church Cemetery Fund, 9066 Robins Neck Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.