Obituary
Linda Smitherman of Altamonte Springs went to be with the Lord on July 21, 2024 at Advent Health Hospital in Apopka, FL after a short illness. She was born in Fort Morgan Colorado on May 14, 1950 to Orval P. Hazelton and Mildred Heinbigner (Schilz).
Linda graduated from Culbertson, NE High School in 1968 and from nursing school in Lincoln, NE in 1970. She practiced nursing for over 30 years. Linda loved working with people and taking care of the sick and elderly. She practiced in five different states as her husband was transferred in the Navy.
While she was in Nursing School Linda met the love of her life, William Smitherman. They married in January 1971 and celebrated 53 years of marriage this year.
Linda was a longtime member of Toastmasters International and was an award-winning public speaker. She also loved elephants and amassed a collection of over 1,000 items of elephant memorabilia.
Linda was a strong Christian, having accepted Jesus as her savior at the age of 7. She was always friendly, upbeat and available to help anyone in need.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Sue Heinbigner and June McDonald. Surviving in addition to her husband William Smitherman are her sister Cathy Golden of Fort Mill, SC, her son Tyson and his wife Jessica of Orlando, FL, her son Justin and his wife Shannon of Warwick, RI, seven grandchildren – Lisha, Rowan, Braeleigh, Avylon, Emma, Ava, and Ethan as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Linda’s Life will be held Saturday, October 12 at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, 2036 Sprint Blvd. Suite #10, Apopka, FL 32703 (corner of Orange Blossom Trail and Sprint Blvd).
Those who wish to remember Linda in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the MARA Elephant Project, P.O. Box 8688, Pueblo, CO 81008-8688
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