Linda Graham Butler

Linda Graham Butler entered eternal rest on Monday, July 10, 2023. She was born Linda Lee Graham on March 18, 1947, to Herman Louis and Gladys "Pauline" Graham at the old Riverside Hospital in Newport News, VA. Linda spent her early years residing in Downtown Newport News at the Hotel Warwick, where her father was the manager. Her family was active in First Baptist Church downtown, later moving to River Road as a child. She enjoyed bike rides to Hilton Elementary School and playing in the James River with friends. Linda was an exceptional student at Warwick High School, serving in the SCA and Honor Council and founding member of the Keyette Club. She graduated with honors in 1965, then attended Westhampton College at the University of Richmond, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in 1969.

Shortly after college, she reconnected with a fellow Warwick High School "Farmer," Harry Thomas Butler. Tom was smitten, and they married just 9 months later, on March 28, 1970. Tom and Linda both enjoyed careers as educators and, in their free time, camping and building houses together. Most who have known them understand they would not let the moss grow under their feet for too long as they lived in various communities along the Virginia Peninsula and briefly in Chesterfield. Tom and Linda eventually returned to Newport News along the James River, returning fond memories of her childhood. She worked in public and private schools as a math teacher, but her ultimate passion was her family, including her two daughters, Ginny and Amy.

Although Linda often put her family first, one of her proudest moments was completing her Master of Education in 1997 at Regent University. As proud as she was of her husband and daughters, talking about her grandchildren became her favorite pastime. Although Linda had dealt with various health struggles in her last few years, she still loved to laugh and could easily laugh at herself. She also loved talking to people and, in her retirement, enjoyed many social activities such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Woman's Missionary Union, and bible study with her friends at Walnut Hills Baptist Church of Williamsburg.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, her infant son, Paul Thomas Butler, and brother-in-law Robert "Bob" Butler.

She leaves behind her husband and best friend of 53 years, Tom; her daughters; Virginia Carver (Randy) of Cary, NC, and Amy Jordan (Thomas) of Hampton, VA; and four beloved grandchildren; Andrew, Kaitlyn, Alexis, and Hunter. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Louis Graham (Ann) of Forest, VA, sister-in-law Susan Butler of Colorado Springs, CO, and six nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will occur Monday, July 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, 1144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23661, followed by an interment at Peninsula Memorial Park.

In place of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to your chosen charity.