Linda Senter Sullivan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on September 7, 2025, just a few weeks shy of her 88th birthday. Born to Reverend Alfred and Nelly Senter in Tennessee, Linda was the second of six children in a family deeply committed to service, faith, and community. Her parents, who led Southern Baptist Churches in Tennessee and Virginia, instilled in their children a love of learning, faith, and hard work.

The Senter children went on to live lives full of purpose and dedication. They produced one minister’s wife, one missionary to Africa, one Baptist minister serving churches in North Carolina, one medical doctor, and two teachers—Linda being one of them. Despite growing up with few material possessions, the Senter family’s wealth was in their spirit and commitment to each other and their community.

Linda’s childhood was one of resourcefulness and creativity. Raised without a television or movies, the family cultivated a love for board games, music, crafts, gardening, and most importantly, reading. Linda herself became an accomplished calligrapher and seamstress, skills she enjoyed throughout her life.

Linda was a dedicated fourth-grade teacher in the Richmond, Virginia area before relocating to Winchester, Virginia with her husband, Larry Sullivan. There, she became deeply involved in church activities and helping others. Linda worked alongside Larry in remodeling and managing real estate, and her passion for service extended to volunteering in church events, tutoring students in reading, and sharing her gifts with anyone in need.

One of Linda’s greatest joys was her family. She poured her heart into raising her two daughters, Lisa London Sullivan and Emily Marie Riley, and adored her grandson, Trevor. She shared a special bond with Trevor, with whom she spent countless hours playing games, telling stories, and completing puzzles. Even as her memory faded, Linda’s creativity shone through, as she continued to invent playful words like “boo hiss” and “betterer.”

Linda and Larry’s marriage of 53 years was a model of love and affection, a “mallard duck marriage”—one of unwavering closeness and mutual respect. Together, they built a life rich in experiences, including their shared love for traveling, square dancing, volleyball, and singing.

In her later years, Linda found a new community at Westminster Canterbury, where she spent the last three and a half years of her life. It was there that she continued her mission of kindness, playing games, supporting other residents, and developing a deep bond with the caring staff. Her zest for life and warmth touched everyone she encountered.

Linda’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to her sisters-in-law, Helen Grove and Ann Anderson, her dear friend Judy Hagan, and the extraordinary care team at Westminster Canterbury, who enriched her life in her final years.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Alfred and Nellie Senter, and is survived by her devoted husband Larry Sullivan, her daughters Lisa and Emily, son-in-law Brian, her grandson Trevor, and many cherished family members and friends. Linda’s love, creativity, and dedication to others will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westminster Canterbury, on October 4th, 2025, at 11:00 am.
Linda’s spirit and legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, and she will forever be remembered for her unwavering love, joy, and dedication to family, faith, and service.

Instead of sending flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Linda’s memory to the Handley Library in Winchester, VA. Donations can be made online or mailed to:
Handley Regional Library, P.O. Box 58, Winchester, VA 22604.

A LIFE WELL LIVED!