Linda Gail Branch Simmons was welcomed into heaven on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at 59 years old. Waiting for her was her husband Barry, the love of her life. Linda was an amazing mother, sister, daughter, and friend. She was kind, generous, strong, and brave. She was always willing to help a friend in need or bring a smile to your face and heart.
Linda was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia. She attended business school and became an insurance agent. Later in her career, she specialized in commercial insurance with Hawk Advisors. She and her husband eventually moved to Buchanan, Virginia, where they began their life together. Linda then realized her true calling of being a mother. She was always willing to play games, work puzzles, and travel all over to watch softball games. She was the best team mom when her husband was the coach, and she never complained about not having time for herself. She was forever devoted to her daughter and never missed a game, school event, graduation, or anything that was important to her daughter.
Linda also loved to travel. She spent months traveling across the country with her brother, Michael. She loved fishing in the Florida Keys, relaxing in Myrtle Beach, family vacations in the Outer Banks, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Hawaii this past summer. If she had a beach and a fishing pole, she was content.
She was preceded in death by her husband Barry; her brother, Michael; her father, James, along with many other important family members that she has missed over the years. She leaves behind her daughter, Kaitlin and her son-in-law Matt; her mother, Edna; her sister, Neva; her brothers, Robert, and Charles (Cheryl); along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.
Her service is being arranged by Botetourt Funeral Home in Buchanan, Virginia. Her service will be on Friday, Oct. 29. Visitation will start at 1 p.m., with the service to follow at 2.
The family is asking that instead of donating flowers, you donate to the American Cancer Society, which is a foundation that Linda was passionate about supporting. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com.