Long, Linda Atkins
In the loving care of her family, Linda Atkins Long, 83 years old, departed this earthly life on November 2, 2024, that brought a joyous reunion with family and friends on the other side of the veil. She was born on December 11, 1940, on her family farm in Hoges Store, Giles County, Virginia to the late Clarence Hundley Atkins and Mary Helen Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas (Tommy) Ray Long.
Life on the family farm brought many responsibilities to her and is where she gained her strong work ethic that carried on through her adulthood. She fulfilled her role valiantly as a devoted wife, mother and homemaker while working outside the home for 35 years at Celanese where she was blessed with many special friendships. She graduated from Pembroke High School Class of 1959 (the “Corn Cutters”).
In1963, Linda married Tommy and they were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. In her last days, she received joyous news of two additional great-grandchildren to be born in the upcoming year.
In 1968, Linda and Tommy were baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pembroke and were sealed for time and all eternity to their children in the Washington DC Temple on March 14,1975. In her own words, she cherished her membership and testimony and was a constant example of faith to her family and those who knew her. She devotedly served the Lord in many church callings and was dedicated to serving others throughout her life. One of her greatest acts of service was her passion for genealogy and the many hours of hard work she dedicated to recording her family history and sharing it with her family. She made sure her children and grandchildren knew their roots and gifted them with generous amounts of recorded information and photographs that are priceless and will be passed on to her posterity. She worked hard to keep her family together and they will be eternally grateful and blessed from her efforts.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Richard (Susan) Long, Michael (Teena) Long and Melissa (Gary) Scott; six grandchildren, Travis Scott and Monika, Hannah (Cody) French, Carlie (Dustin) Rose, Afton (Alec) Manning, Chad Long and Levi and Maggie Long and Ty; one great-grandchild, Oliver French; brother, David (Jean) Atkins of Rockport, TX and sister, Doris (Bill) VanMullen of Williston, VT. She also had several nieces and nephews who will always hold a special place in her heart.
A special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice for their kindness as they cared for our mother in her final days.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 2:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, New River Ward, Pembroke, with Robert Moses conducting. The family will receive friends two hours before the service from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. While flowers are appreciated, please consider donating to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organization. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Long family.
