Journell, Linda Lee Williams

Linda Lee Williams Journell, of Pembroke, beloved Mother and Na Na, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday morning, August 16, 2011, at the age of 74. She was born in Clifton Forge, Va., on March 19, 1937, daughter of the late James Harold and Ruth McMahan Williams of Pembroke. Her pain has now passed after 10 years with carcinoid cancer.

This woman was the most giving, caring person, always thinking of others before herself, truly an angel here on earth. She was a life long member of Pembroke First United Methodist Church where in her earlier years she was a Sunday School teacher and MYF leader, all of her daughters friends called her Mom and that is what she was to all of them.

She had worked at Leggett’s Department Store and was secretary for Pembroke Elementary School and Eastern Elementary School doing the job that now three people do including school nurse. There was never a child left behind. She was in charge of the card ministry at Pembroke First United Methodist Church, and served as softball coach in town leagues.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Sandy Journell Reed and her husband, Ray Reed, of Pembroke; her granddaughters, Kalyn Lawrence, and Lakyn Lawhorne and her husband, Josh Lawhorne; her great-granddaughters, Madisyn and Makenna Lawrence; her great-grandsons, Johnathan and Lane Lawhorne (the apples of her eye); her former husband and dear friend, Don Journell; her “adopted daughter” and her daughter, Amy Tinsley and Jordan Auvil; her beloved mother-in-law, Marie Journell, whom she cared for 15 years and dedicated her life to helping her reach the age of 100 years; her brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, cousins and so many special friends including, Jennifer Sullivan, who was by her side and helped Sandy with her so much in these last days for which she is truly grateful; Ellen Martin and Leota Cook; Pastor Rob Lough, whom she loved dearly; the Rev. Raymond and Joyce Kelley; Dr. Mark Currie and special nurse, Ruth Ann; and special thanks to the staff at Lewis-Gale (where she had her daughter and where she gave up her fight to be with God) Oncology 6 West and Radford Rehab.

“You are not only my Mommy but my very best friend, I love you so much and will miss you so much, but I know you are with God and you will always be my Guardian Angel.” —  Sandy

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2011, in Pembroke First United Methodist Church in Pembroke with Pastor Rob Lough officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the Kendall Funeral Home, 605 Snidow St., Pembroke on Wednesday evening, August 17, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Linda’s name to the Pembroke First United Methodist Church, Pembroke, Va.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.