Linda Carol Whorton Winstead

Linda Carol Whorton Winstead was born February 12, 1952, at Arlington Hospital to Frank Baylus Whorton, Sr. and Lois Utz Whorton. She was raised in Centreville, Virginia, and graduated from Herndon High School in 1970. Throughout her life, Linda held a variety of positions Including, judge’s secretary, legal clerk, legal secretary for various law firms and judicial systems. Linda also worked in various capacities for the Potomac District Council of the Assemblies of God. Secretary to Superintendent Wallace P Odum and later to Youth Directors David Baird and Larry Hickey. During her final 20 years there, she served as receptionist and missionary secretary/liaison. Linda loved learning about her family history and researching genealogy, with a particular love for finding and preserving old family photographs. She also enjoyed cooking, flower gardening and fishing. One of Linda’s favorite places to visit was the Whorton homeplace. Through the years, it was affectionately known first as “Granny Whorton’s,” then “Aunt Benny’s,” later “Jeanne’s,” and eventually simply as THE FARM—a favorite weekend destination filled with family history and memories. Linda accepted Jesus as her Savior as a small child. Her love and knowledge of Scripture had deep roots. As a teenager, Linda participated in the Teen Bible Quiz program memorizing entire books of the Bible. She was National High Scorer two years in a row, earning a free trip to the Holy Land. By the early 1980s, she realized that she had strayed far from God and was living in sin. Thankfully, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, she repented and recommitted her life to Christ. After her rededication in the 80s she found great joy in Bible reading and study at home. Also, she began what she called a “card ministry,” sending cards of encouragement to others. More recently, she added a “cookie ministry,” sharing cookies with neighbors accompanied by notes reminding them of God’s love. Linda is survived by her husband, Jim “Smokey” Winstead; son, Carson L. Winstead, siblings Jackie Whorton Rawlings and Marke, Vickie Whorton Watts and Riley, Frank B. Whorton II and Judy. She is also survived by five nieces, six nephews and extended family. Known as the family historian, she collected and preserved many of the family photographs that she treasured so much, scanning and saving them herself. Those looking through the family’s collection need only search for “Linda” to find many of the memories she chose to preserve. And Linda left one final hope, written simply in her own words: “Hope to see you all in Heaven.” In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Linda’s favorite missionaries. Holiness Ministries for Latin America P. O. Box 511 Lavon, Texas 75166 Paypal.Me/HMLAmx, Zelle - HMLA.mx@gmail.com. OR by check to HMLA Ministries Holiness Ministries for Latin America P. O. Box 511 Lavon, Texas 75166 Rodney & Aida Stine, Philippines https://giving.ag.org/donate/600001-241130

Linda Carol Whorton Winstead

February 12, 1952 - August 10, 2026