Celebrating The Life of Linda Whaley
We gather with gratitude to celebrate the life and legacy of Linda Whaley, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, musician, and faithful servant of Christ. Linda passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2025, at the age of 81.
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Born in Ada, Oklahoma, Linda accepted Christ at age 7 and lived a life of joyful service and unwavering faith. A graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and a lifelong educator, Linda was passionate about teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), singing and leading in worship, quilting with care, and welcoming others with warmth and hospitality. Her life touched many—from church members and students to friends and family across the country.
Remembering the Life of Linda Whaley
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Linda Sue (Clark) Whaley passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2025, at the age of 81.
Linda was born to Martin H. and Bessie Lenora (Agee) Clark on November 6, 1943, in Ada, Oklahoma. Linda accepted Christ at the age of seven after returning from a prayer meeting. She lived a life devoted to her faith and family. As a sophomore in college, Linda once wrote that she "would someday find the life partner God has for me." She met that partner, William "Earl" Whaley, in 1964 while serving as a Summer Missionary in Maryland. Linda graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) and earned a teacher's certificate. While at OBU, she participated in many activities, including being accepted as a member of the Bisonette Glee Club. Linda also pursued other educational opportunities at East Central University in Oklahoma, University of Evansville, Northern Virginia Community College, and through many other training opportunities.
Linda and Earl married on June 25, 1966, shortly after she graduated from OBU. Earl's position with the FBI resulted in many moves and assignments from coast to coast, border to border and places in-between. With each move, Linda helped create a new home, find a new church, and build a sense of place for their two children, Cynthia and Mark. In each new city, Linda was involved in all activities of the church. Her talents were exhibited differently at each church as a member, teacher, choir member, soloist, youth choir director, Girls' Auxiliary leader, building fund coordinator, Disaster Response member, English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, and in many other roles in support of each church.
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Linda was a teacher in various capacities throughout her life and became involved in ESL after her last move to the Washington, D.C. area. Having taught students in ESL church programs, she returned to the OBU classroom in 2003 to be certified as a teacher trainer in support of NorthStar Church Network and taught students to become ESL teachers. She did this throughout the state of Virginia.
Linda also enjoyed reading, traveling, quilting, sewing, and most of all, spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, William Earl Whaley; daughter, Cynthia Louise (Whaley) Lamb and her husband, Doug, of Centreville, VA; son, Mark Andrew Whaley and his wife, Lori, of Broadlands, VA; grandchildren, Katie Lamb, Julia Whaley, Cole Lamb, and Becca Lamb; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as extended family. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Arlene (Clark) Treas; and brother, William "Bill" Clark.
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A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ox Hill Baptist Church (4101 Elmwood Street, Chantilly, VA 20150), with visitation between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Stonewall Memory Gardens (12004 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA 20109).
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In remembrance of Linda's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Ox Hill Baptist Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.