Linda Jones was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia with her hardworking parents and two older sisters. Her father was a butcher who later owned his own market, and her mother was a piano teacher who would teach more than 50 students a week.

Growing up always hearing her mother’s lessons, Linda learned to play piano by ear at age four, a talent that she would hone all throughout her life. Raised in a southern Baptist church, Linda played the piano and the organ at church services and events. She also remembers volunteering with the Red Cross and various other local organizations during her time as a Girl Scout.

Linda met her future husband Latham at a graveside service one day in 1964 while he was working as an apprentice mortician. They married in 1966 and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Latham received his certificate in Mortuary Science.

In Ohio, Linda was employed by Baldwin Piano and Organ Co. where she also taught organ. From Ohio, the couple moved to Massachusetts where Latham served four years in the Air Force. Linda still stayed active in music while employed by the Army/Air Force Exchange Service.

When Linda and Latham returned to Virginia, she earned a degree in Music Education from The College of William and Mary. From Williamsburg, they relocated to Richmond where she was employed by Walter D. Moses Music Co. and served in several churches as organist and pianist.

Eventually, Linda would also receive her associate degree in Mortuary Science at John Tyler Community College. In 1988, she and Latham took over ownership of their own funeral home in Scottsville, VA, which they operated for 20 years. Linda remembers feeling as though they were “starting over in their 40’s” at this time.

The Joneses moved to Lakewood in 2019 and Linda began playing piano at both resident and team member functions almost immediately. Playing piano for the residents in the higher levels of care at Lakewood has brought her a special type of joy and fulfillment. When asked who influenced her as a child, Linda named her parents and her teachers who instilled good, Christian values in her as well as an emphasis on dependability and honesty.

Who influences her today are the residents at Lakewood with their inspiring positive attitudes. In the coming years, she hopes to always remember to count her blessings, continue to share her music with people, and to stay healthy. Linda is always guided by the credence that her father instilled in her: “Pretty is as pretty does.” She is most proud of her 58 years of marriage to Latham, who she says has always centered her, kept her grounded, and remained supportive of her throughout their life together.