Linda Sterling

Linda Vana Lee Sterling was born on December 10, 1949 and entered her eternal rest on May 5, 2017 in Jacksonville, FL.
A native of Fort Worth, TX, Linda was the third child born to her mother, Mildred “Baby Love” Lee. She enjoyed being a big sister and exploring the world around her. Her free-spirit and unique personality made Linda fun to be around and yet, a force to be reckoned with. A graduate of Dunbar High School in Fort Worth, she retained membership in the Dunbar Alumni Association, Class of 1968. Linda received her early Christian education at the Sunshine Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth under the spiritual care of Pastor Harold W. Gant. She continued to grow in faith and strength as a member of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL.

A loving and devoted mother, her two sons, Kenneth, Jr. and Keith, were the joy of her life. She loved her boys dearly and ensured that she had everything they needed to be successful.

Linda began her career at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 1979 in Jacksonville, FL. She faithfully served in various capacities at the IRS for over 38 years, a model employee and loyal friend. A woman of character, strong work ethic and self-sufficiency, “Auntie”, as she was fondly called, coached and mentored any one that she could. She provided insight, gave encouragement and shared wise counsel to help them work smarter, make better financial decisions and accomplish their life goals. Linda enjoyed helping people in any way she could, never looking for anything in return. She was always bearing gifts and thinking about what others may like or need.
When she wasn’t working, Linda enjoyed thrift store shopping and trading. Never wanting to be wasteful, she recycled items that were reusable and was an active participant of her office recycling team. Her biggest love and hobby was working in her yard. She used that time for “getting away from it all”, relaxation and enjoyment, no matter the weather. She gladly shared the delicious fruit of her labor for others to enjoy. Although she could work in the yard from early morning until late in the evening, Linda still had energy to cheer on the Jacksonville Jaguars and her favorite player, #28 Fred Taylor! And, Linda enjoyed traveling! Whether on the road to visit her sisters and brother in Texas or on local trips with her Jacksonville family, she kept everyone smiling. She made time to visit places on her “bucket list”, most recently taking a wonderful trip to Hawaii with her childhood friend Doretha Hudspeth.

Linda was preceded in death by her son, Keith; her mother, Mildred Lee Washington; a sister, Vickie Lee Jackson; and two younger brothers, Leonard and Michael Lee.

She leaves to cherish and honor her memory her son, Kenneth Ray Sterling, Jr. (Taryia Lee); granddaughter, Kamyia Sterling; sisters, Flossie Jarmon, Fort Worth, TX and Jeraldine Washington, Grand Prairie, TX; brother Avery Alford, Sr. (Phylis), Ludowici, GA; sister-in-law, Mary Sterling Carter; a host of nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of loving family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Graveside: 1 pm Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Skyvue Memorial Gardens.

For online condolences and Tributes please visit www.skyvuefuneralhome.com.