Linda Bing Thomas

They say time heals the heart, so I guess it hasn't been time enough, because I think my heart hurts more now. I miss Linda so much. I want to tell her so much, ask her so much, yet can't. I trust in God's promise that she is happy and feeling whole again.
My love to the great family she left behind-including all the adorable grandchildren who will miss that special love.I hope to be like Linda someday. What an example of human perfection if there can be such a thing!

Gene and family,

Words cannot express the sadness and emptiness at the passing of Linda. She touched numerous lives and left a living legacy. May you be comforted knowing that a little piece of Linda resides in each person that she met. I hope to be half the person Linda was. May God's love fill the void in your life.

Laugher is the best medicine. Don't focus on what is missing, but what is left behind!
Nancy Burton (via Thalia UMC Va. Beach)

Gene and Family, I cannot express enough in words to hear about the passing of Linda. I remember the times we laughed in bible study and the Thnksgiving meal we shared. She will be missed and her memory cherished. I know her true devotion to Christ was an inspiration for all. To Linda, Until we meet in heaven, ILove, Dan, Cindy, Andrew and Will Morgan

There are no words to fill the void or express my condolescences to your precious family except that God is our refuge a very present help in time of need. Know you are in my prayers!

Dear Gene and family: I was so sorry to learn of Linda's passing. My thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family. Mosby

Have you ever seen an angel? Well, I have. I was a child at the time but I can still remember that beautiful glow surrounding her face. Not only was Linda the image of godliness but when she spoke she made you feel joy and love inside. The last time I saw her we were saying our goodbyes and she and Gene were moving to another county to serve God. Little Billy and Jenny were running around the yard excited for what was ahead of them. I, however, was sad to see them go. Recently, when I heard of her plight to take that trip to Brazil, I wished I could have made that happen for her. After all these years, I still wanted her to know how much I valued her friendship. They say angels are sent to earth to achieve special tasks, well, if it was making you feel loved, she succeeded. I know I can’t be sad for she is in a better place and I dream, maybe … just maybe ... enjoying the soft white sand and the cool blue waters of Ipanema. AND IT CAME TO PASS WHEN I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. Daniel 8:15-17

I am so sorry for the lost of your dear loved one. It's comforting to know that God cares for all of us and losing a loved one is something we cannot get use to. The Bible gives us hope that one day we can see our dear loved one again. On behalf of all mankind Jesus surrender his soul for many. John 15:13 says “No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul on behalf of his friends.” Truly I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one and I hope these few words will bring you comfort and hope.

My Darling Linda,
I miss you more than you will ever know. You were a perfect sister in every way, my hero - you make me want to be better. I know you are in Heaven now with Daddy, looking down on us with that big beautiful smile you had that would light up a room . You were so kind and thoughtful and generous and had so much love to give and share. You could always feel the love and warmth you had. I loved being around you.. You were the best sister a girl could ever ask for. I am so proud of you and all your accomplishments. Thanks for all you have done for me. I hope to see you again some day in Heaven. Have fun playing with all the other Angels.

Thanks for always being there for me. You were so special and what a great world it would be if there were more Linda Bing Thomases'. I miss you so much and love you with all my Heart., I will carry you with me always.
Your Big sister
Carole

Dearest Aunt Linda, ("Aunt Grandma")
You will be missed by all. You touched so many lives in so many ways. We'll see you in heaven someday. We will always remember you and your sweet smile. We love you always and forever. Kimberly, Paul, Mia, and Sylas

You darling darling sweetheart! What will we ever do without you? I just can't accept that you have gone on before the rest of us! If God gave me a choice at conception for a mother it would still and always would have been you!

I love, love, love, you momma. The rainbow was special! Thank-you for that! Thank you for my family! And I praise God and my Lord for your life. Til we meet again---XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO. Your the best thing---- that ever happened---- to me!

We are grieving here in Florida over Linda's passing. Linda, Gene and family always made my visits to Virginia a happy occasion. I will always remember being invited to one of their Sunday services and being touched by how it affected me.
Linda, it was an honor to have known you.

Bart Wolf

That loving smile to light the day, showing others she knew the way. The way to live like He wanted us to do, she was lucky, she knew. In everything she did she lived as He would have her live, she loved as He would have her love, she died as He knew she would die, now she lives where He wanted her to live, with Him.
We are all blessed to have know Linda. To have that smile touch our lives if only for a little while, but to live on in our hearts forever.

Carol, Helen, Christy you are in our prayers. May her love for you be your guide until you see her again in His arms forever.

Gene, Billy, and Jenny your gift was Linda, her gift of love, may her gift fill your hearts with her love forever.

In sorrow,
Renee' and Skip Callis

Jenn,
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. I know you are comforted by the fact that she is indeed in heaven rejoicing with the angels. These next few days,weeks and months will be hard. My sisiter Susan sends her condolences as well. She and your mom walked the survivor walk together this year. Susan was very saddened by her passing. If we can do anythinfg for you and your family, please let us know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick & Dottie Carter

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Psalms 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Gene, Jenni and Bill: May the wonderful memories you have of Linda put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. May God drape you in His love and use those memories to provide you comfort and healing during this difficult time.

What a gift to have known such a lovely human being. Linda's been a true inspiration as she shared Christ's light and love to all. Our love and prayers are extended to the family as we all mourn and grieve our loss, but recognize that she's in God's loving arms and is undoubtedly up in heaven dancing with the angels.

Dear Gene,
May you find peace, and may your heart heal with time. Linda touched the Clarendon UMC community in so many special ways. We will not forget her, and will continue to grow because of her impact and touch. You are dear to us also, and we thank God for you, and hope that we can be part of your healing.

To say that Linda was a fine woman, a righteous woman, a divine woman yields little justice to the life that she lived and the legacy that follows; Linda was more than all of these--she was THE Proverbs 31 woman! How blessed we all were to have our lives touched by such a vessel of holiness. Now, Linda resides in a place far better than earth and she is in the perpetual presence of our Lord; she is pain-free and perfect! May the joy of her new-found regeneration comfort those to whom she was dear and may the peace that passeth all understanding keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, especially during this most difficult time.

The master said "Well done, good and faithful servant."

As the pastor said, the fact is that Linda died. The truth is, she will live forever.

Dear Gene and Family,

Linda is a very special and precious gift to all of us. I am eternally grateful for the moments I shared with Linda that will last a life time. She has inspired me in faith, hope and love, and the greatest is love. I will always remember her light that continues to shine bright in my heart and spirit. Thank you all for sharing her with us.

Dear Gene & family,
My heart aches for all of you. I'm sure that it's hard to imagine life without Linda. I last heard from her on Sept. 28th and I was prayering for her surgery to lead to recovery for all of you. Linda was such a special person and had such love for others. My life was blest by knowing her and I'll miss her dearly. You are in both of our prayers. May you feel God's love and comfort as he holds you in the palm of his hands

Gene, Jenn & Bill,

Because Gene, Linda and Earl cared, Bill is a born again Christian. And, so started a friendship that has been more long distance than face to face.

Bill and I love Linda and Gene and because of Linda's great faith in her Lord, we rest in the knowledge she is receiving the "welcome home" she so deserves.

Our tears are shed not for Linda, but for her best beau and her family, and the empty place she has left in all our lives.

We'll see you soon Linda.
Bill & Elberta Hineman

The world has lost a wonderful soul and servant of the Lord. Aunt Linda's strength, wisdom, and compassion is something that God wants to see in all of us; and we can see what a beautiful job He did with her. Aunt Linda always put her whole heart into everything she did and even till the end cared more about her family and friends than sometimes herself. I will never forget all the joyous Thanksgivings when our families could get together and how you and Uncle Gene helped me get through my freshman year of college. My last strong memory of you will be guiding me through my marriage counsel with my new bride. Stephanie and I will take what we learned from you and Gene and hold it in our hearts forever. We Love you ALL so much.

To the family of Linda.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Linda. Our thought and prayers are with all of the family.

Charles Davidson, MHS Class of '65, and Betty Davidson

Dear Gene and family,

We are deeply saddened to hear of Linda's passing. She truly was a remarkable woman. Linda will always be remembered and greatly missed by all. Our deepest sympathies go out to you.

Gene and family
I was so blessed to know Linda as was everyone she met. I am so grateful for her life and I look forward to seeing her again in heaven where I know she is caring for all of us. Love and hugs

Our dear, sweet, wonderful friend who gave so much to all she touched. Rest in your loving Father's arms.

Gene, Bill and Jenni,
We just got home from the family night. Your graciousness and strength permeated the room. I half expected Linda to come strolling into the room with her confident, warm smile and loving eyes . . . only to realize on the drive home, that in fact, she was there. The comfort for me is, that another intercessor was added to the mighty cloud of witnesses who knows us, loves us all and is praying on our behalf, making intercession to the Father already! She prays for us and she prays for YOU! What a delight to have known her. Our continued prayers are with you.

Gene,

If it wasn't for Linda, you wouldn't be a pastor.
If it wasn't for Linda, I wouldn't be saved.
I am sorry.

Jamie

Gene, Billy, Jenny & family,
Our family can't begin to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Linda and I (Anne) were so very close growing up, we were as close as cousins could be, we had many good times together. Her e-mails and positive attitude will be greatly missed; we have lost a very good and kind person. Our love, Gene, Anne & family

Dear Gene,
I sit here with a very heavy heart reading Linda's obituary. I am so sad for her and for you. She always struck me as a woman with such incredible warmth and vitality; it is hard for me to believe she has moved on to be with the Lord. I can see her and my mom smiling together!
Thank you for the genuine care and support you gave my mom and our whole family when my mom was sick. You are a special to our family.
I will keep you in my prayers, and I hope you are ok.
Love,

Gene, Family and Church Family: Thank you for the priviledge of getting to know Linda here on earth through her powerful ministry of teaching to others. We are sorry for your loss here on earth as she is a true woman of God and her presence will be missed. Know however, that we rejoice that she is in the arms of Jesus and we look forward to seeing her again. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in your sorrow, give you joy in your memories and peace in your heart that passes all understanding. Love in Christ, Barry & Mary Sudduth

Gene and family, So sorry for the loss of Linda. She was truly an angel. I remember the Sunday she came into Mt. Pleasant wearing two different shoes. My love and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy to the family at this difficult time.

Gene,
My heart goes out to you and your family. You are all in my heart and prayers.

Dearest Gene, Bill & Jenn
Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers now and always. It has been wonderful knowing you are just around the cornor if we needed anything. I too feel like I have lost part of my heart with her passing. We love you so very much

Pastor Gene,
We treasure the time Linda and you were at Thalia. We grew to love you and think of you especially at this time. You were such a blessing to us as our pastor. You are in our prayers.

Last year at this time, I first met Linda. She radiated Jesus' love and an energy to live for Him. I feel privileged to be a part of how God has blessed CUMC through Linda. She must have RAN into Jesus' arms. Everything about her spells EASTER to me.

Jennifer,
My deepest heartful sympathies for you and your family. Your many friends and co-workers are here for you.
Love, Wanda

Dear Pastor Gene and Family,
It isn't often one meets someone who instantly makes them feel that they completely belong. As the leader of our JOY Bible Study, a few years ago, Linda made all of us feel so loved. I always said she was a "kindred spirit". She had that rare gift of truly relating to people. She was so precious and so beautiful....an Angel on Earth...and now in Heaven. May God comfort your hearts and strengthen you all.

Gene, Jenni & Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Please have peace knowing Linda touched so many lives not only with her charming smile but her endless inspiration of Gods word for everyone she knew. I know God will hold each one of you in the palm of his hand until you all meet again.
Sincerely,

Mrs.Bing...We are so sadden to heard of the passing of your daughter Linda. We lived across from you for many years and our mother thought the world of your girls. Our family will continue to pray for your family in your time of sorrow.
Howard G. Jones& Family Hudgins Virginia

Dear Gene & Family,
Linda brought such joy to our Thalia Singers group, her sweet spirit blessing all of us! She and you helped our family through a difficult time, and we will always hold those memories close in our hearts. May you be comforted to know she's now dancing (again) with a choir of angels. With heartfelt sympathy,
Ken and Kathy Saunders & girls

Pastor Gene & Family, I just want you to know how sorry I am and how much Linda touched my life. More than any other person at CUMC, Linda served as a spiritual guide and helped me strengthen my personal relationship with God through prayer and service. Her joyous, vibrant, loving attitude was infectious and inspirational. To me she was a great teacher and sister in Christ. I pray for healing for you and the rest of us who miss her dearly.

Dear Gene and family,

In Kelly's works, "I will miss her beautiful smile, her caps and her stories."--even a 6 year old knows how special Linda was.

Even though her time at CUMC was so very short, her spiritual impact will remain for decades to come.

Paul, Meredith, Kelly and Theo

Gene and Family,
Linda was my inspiration into a closer relationship with our God and Savior. I enjoyed every minute I spent in her presence and knew her love for the Lord, Gene and her precious family was most important in her life. God really created and beautiful person in Linda and now has her with Him.
God be with you in your time of sorrow.

FROM YOUR GOOD FRIENDS FROM
WHITE HALL CHURCH. WE LOVE YOU.

Christy... I was saddened to hear of Lindas' death. I recall many good times shared when our parents made our two Lindas take us along on their excursions in Mathews back in the old days. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jewel

Dear Gene and Family,
Our hearts are full. Linda's faith shown through her eyes and smile making her one of God's most beautiful creations. We were blessed to have her in our lives. Our prayers are with you now and always.

Gene & Family, So sorry to hear about Linda. She was a wonderful person. May God bless you all.

Bucky & Melissa Jarvis

Dear Gene and family - Linda was a blessing to us, her spirit, love and grace were an inspiration. She was a beautiful gift from God. We are thinking of you all during this sad time and praying for God's comfort.
Jon, Lou Anne, Nicholas and Allyson

Gene and Family - Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time.

We trust in God's sustaining grace for you all.

We remember fondly the years when we were neighbors in Lakeside, and we are so glad we ran into you last Apple Blossom!

Please know that you will be thought of often in coming days.

Dear Gene and all your family:
'You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear wife and Mother. Your family was one of my best loved parsonage families we have had here in Lincolnia.
Love and prayers and may God bless all of you.
Mary Margaret Pence

Dear Gene, Jenni and Bill,
Earth has lost a precious jewel, but Heaven has added a new and sparkling star. We consider ourselves very blessed to have been a part of your Virginia Beach family. Linda and Gene both have been very important steps along our spiritual path. Linda's beautiful smile and radient glow, her wonderful gift of making instant "best friends" and ability to see to the very depths of a hurting soul will long be remembered and cherished. God has used you mightily, Linda, and He continues to do so. We will miss you terribly, but your memory will live on.
Shalom,
Joan & George Averette

Dear Gene ,Jenny, and Billy,
Linda was such a beautiful person on the inside and out. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Dear Gene and family, This is Mark, Kathy, and Cameron Jennings. We used to go to Thalia United Methodist Church and moved from Norfolk to Winchester about three years ago. Just heard tonight at choir practice at Macedonia United Methodist about Linda. I remember the women's retreat activities in Duck, NC and she helped me so many ways in loving Christ. We are thinking and praying for you and yours as Linda would want us to do. Love The Jennings

Jenny, Mr. Thomas, and Billy,
It has been many years since I sat in your dining room and cried over the egg salad sandwich your mom gave me, but that is how I remember my "second mom" most fondly. Her spirit, loving smile, and bright eyes even made egg salad almost okay! You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. I know the strength and love of your family will get you all through this. Take care.

To the loving family and friends of our beloved Linda ~ I would like to offer my deepest condolences. Words can not express how she touched all of our lives. She will be missed dearly. May the Lord comfort each and every one of us through this hard time.

Dear Gene and family,

We are so sorry to learn of your loss. You have been special friends to us through the years. Our prayers will be with you in the days to come.

May God's blessings and comfort by yours.

Dear Family,
Linda will truly be missed. She was a special person. May the Lord be with you during this time.I will be praying for you family.
Love Kim Moyers

Gene and family:
Words can never express what we are feeling right now. We so dearly remember all the many wonderful times in your home. Please know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers .
God bless,
Bob and Marion

GENE- PLEASE CONTACT ME. I AM SO, SO SORRY. YOU BOTH ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE. PLEASE KEEP CLOSE TO JESUS AND HE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH.

Jennifer and Family~
I am so sorry for your loss. Just remember Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will bring so much comfort to you and your family. Your mom was truly a Child of God and now she is at peace. My family will be praying for you throughout this difficult time.

Love Ya
April Kier

Surely God gives us no greater test than enduring the loss of a loved one so dear as Linda. May our best response include living our lives to honor her magnificent example. I'll never forget catching the radiance of her smile as she gazed up at our choir.

Gene, Jenny & Family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Linda was a great friend and mentor to me during my time at Shenandoah. Her smile, her calm demeanor, and her faith are traits that I will never forget. She cared about people in a very special way. I know I became a better person for having known her.

Thinking of you.

Brenda Hall Armistead

Dear Jennifer & Family
My prayers and thoughts are with you all and hope God will give you the strength you need at this most difficult time. Love in Christ

Dear Gene, Jenni and Bill,
What an honor it will always be to have shared a small part in Linda's journey through this life. She has been an inspiration and true joy to us. It's earth's great loss, but heaven's great gain. She will be missed.

Dearest Jen & Family,
Although I never had the opportunity to meet your beautiful mother, wife, angel - please know our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time and in the days to come.

Linda and Gene, thank you for blessing us with Jennifer. She gives of her heart so freely with the hospice work she does each and every day, and we are thankful to have her in our lives.

Your light will shine forever through your daughter.

Dear Gene and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Linda very long, but I definitely saw Christ in her eyes and love in her smile. She has blessed so many and will always have a special place in my heart.

Gene and Linda,
I have loved you ever since I met you some thirty-five years ago. One more beautiful addition to the kingdom has gone before us, and will join the welcoming party to greet us when we next meet.

Our prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Roger, Debbie and Rachael Swartz

Oct. 22, 2008

Dearest Gene and Family,

Our hearts are broken. As you know, Linda was a cherished friend and a true inspiration to us and our circle of friends. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers have been with all of you for many, many months and we continue to keep you in our prayers so that God will give you strength through the coming months and years. Yesterday God truly received a most precious angel into his kingdom. We will so miss Linda and all the joy and light that radiated from and around her. Our lives have been truly blessed and enriched by knowing her and having her as our friend.

We love you!
Rhonda Miller and Jim Bowen

Dear Gene, Jenny, Bill and family,

My heart aches at the loss of Linda. She was an inspiration of grace and love to me the few years I was blessed to know her. But I know she is singing with the Heavenly Hosts. All my prayers for you.

Gene and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda was such an inspiration to me especially at Williamsburg Retreat . She will always have a special place in my heart.May God bless you.

Dear Pastor Gene,
I went alone and in the dark last night to Manor Memorial's sanctuary to pray for you and your family. I told God that I don't understand why. I prayed that He will hold you and the whole family close to Him and that He will make Heaven so real to you that you will find comfort in seeing Linda there. Pastor Gene, when I think of you, I always think of God's great love. I pray that even in this hard time, you will not feel that His love has left you. God Bless. Susan Mathias Smith

What a blessing it was to have known such a wonderful person. Gene and family...our thoughts and prayers are with you always, but especially now. Know that Linda touched so many lives and although she will be missed, she will never be forgotten. We love you.

Linda we will miss your calm spirit and how you loved to share God's love with everyone around you. The Exploring Healing Prayer team misses you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loving and dear family.
Fly with Christ Dixie

Dear Gene, Jenny and Bobby and family,

We hold you all in our prayers and lift you high to our heavenly Father during this time.

Linda,

You were such a testimony to everyone you met, including me. You have such a love for the lord. I will miss you at the women's gathering in Blackstone next year! I know you are in in a far better place, holding your saviors hand.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Dear Gene & Family - God gave us a wonderful, loving gift in the life of Linda. She touched everyone she met and shared her faith with them. Surely, God has made a special place for her and we will all meet again. Our deepest sympathy to you. Out thoughts and prayers continue for you now and in the coming days. Our love to you.

Ever with us, God never sent a more beautiful angel.

It is with great sorrow that I feel your loss, yet great joy that you are freed from pain and suffering now. May God bless and comfort your family and our church family at this time. You will be missed very much.

In loving memory to my "Sister in Christ", you will be truly missed.

YOU WERE A WONDERFUL PERSON AND I SHALL TREASURE THE MEMORIES OF YOU FROM MT. PLEASANT. LOVE, CAROL (MOUSER) BRANT

Jennifer, Gene and Family:
Heaven received a very special angel today. What a blessing it has been to get to know you in the last three years. We were so blessed in Blackstone this September by Linda and we of the James River Charge Outreach Women's Gathering are going to miss her tremendously and me especially. She gave love so freely and God truly blessed you all and all of us. May God Walk with you and hold you in His loving arms during this difficult time.

We will miss you so much. You gave me the gift of Jennifer; my best friend, for which I will always be greatful. With much love,
Lisa Mathison

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.