Norfolk- Linda Geneva Osborne was born on October 17, 1957, in Washington, D.C., at Columbia Hospital for Women, to the late John and Mary Osborne. She was the oldest of four children and grew up in Washington, D.C., where she attended Charles Young Elementary School, Browne Junior High School, and Spingarn High School.

From an early age, Linda demonstrated a strong work ethic and a caring spirit. During her teenage years, she held various positions through the D.C. Summer Employment Program. While in high school, she was selected to participate in the Federal Summer Employment Program for Youth, managed by the Civil Service Commission, where she was assigned to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Linda later found her calling working with children. She became a Teacher’s Assistant at Charles Young Elementary School, a role that reflected her patient and nurturing nature. In the late 1980s, Linda and her family relocated to Portsmouth, Virginia, where she continued working as a Teacher’s Assistant with the Portsmouth Public School System. She remained dedicated to her work until her health no longer allowed her to continue. In later years, Linda moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where she lived with her daughter.

Linda had a personality that brought laughter and life to those around her. She enjoyed watching CNN and especially loved keeping up with the weather. She was also a devoted fan of reality television and could often be heard fussing at the television as though the people on the screen could actually hear her.

Music held a special place in Linda’s heart. She kept up with the latest songs and was known as the family D.J. Whenever the family gathered, everyone knew Linda would make sure the music was playing and the atmosphere was just right.

Linda was also a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. Win, lose, or questionable play, she remained loyal to her Cowboys!

Some of Linda’s favorite moments were the simple ones—laughing, reminiscing, and talking about old times with her sisters during their four-way conference calls. Those conversations were filled with memories, laughter, and the special bond that only sisters share.

Above all else, family was Linda’s greatest joy. She treasured the time spent with her loved ones and was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her love for her family was evident in the joy she found simply being in their presence.

Linda was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, LaKenda Alston; two sons, Rocky Alston and Bruce Osborne; three granddaughters, Dontaisha, Wenter, and Taylor; three grandsons, Rocquan, Rockeem, and Rockym; and one great-granddaughter, Ahtymn; three sisters, Karen Osborne of Bowie, Maryland; Catherine Sultzer (Tony) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and Darlene Jackson of Laurel, Maryland; as well as her special and devoted friend, James Cobb.

Linda’s memory will also live on through a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many dear friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Though Linda’s earthly journey has come to an end, the laughter she shared, the music she played, the stories she told, and most importantly, the love she gave will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will remain with her family always.