Linda Goolsby Downs, Linda Goolsby Downs, of Buena Vista, Virginia, passed away on March 3, 2009.

She was born April 8, 1954 in Lexington, Virginia, daughter of the late Wilton Holbrook (Buddy) and Edith McCormick Goolsby.

Linda received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University in 1976. In 1997 she received a Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia and continued taking courses at Longwood University in Library Media Services.

Linda was a member of the Stone Church of the Brethren in Buena Vista.

A lifelong educator, she taught in Page, Rockbridge, Culpepper and Madison Counties before joining the Buena Vista School System in 1984. From 1984 until her retirement in December 2004, Linda taught sixth grade and was library media specialist at Parry McCluer Middle School.

Linda had a zest for life and loved being surrounded by family, friends and always her students. Reading was her passion and she longed to share it with everyone. Since her diagnosis in 1992, she faced the challenges of cancer with unyielding determination and courage. Her spirit, energy and strength inspired and uplifted those around her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, D. Earl Downs of Buena Vista; her son and daughter-in-law, David and Sarah Downs of Cincinnati, Ohio; her daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Tim Jennings of Buchanan, Virginia, and looked forward to the birth of her first grandchild in August of 2009.

Betty and Ray Ferguson of Buena Vista are the loyal and loving adopted grandparents of Katie and David. Doris and Harold Inskeep of Culpeper are beloved in-laws.

Linda loved her many dear friends who supported her throughout her life and especially during her illness. She considered Dr. William Fintel and the staff at Blue Ridge Oncology as part of her extended family and she considered them the reason why her life was such a long and joyous one after her diagnosis.

Arrangements, which are being handled through Boiling, Grose and Lotts Funeral Home in Buena Vista, include an informal family visitation hour at 1:00 p.m on Saturday, March 7, 2009 in the fellowship hall at the Stone Church of the Bretheren in Buena Vista, Va. to be followed by a celebration of her life at 2:00 in the church sancutuary and a brief family graveside service.

Friends are welcome to visit with the family any time. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Susan 0. Komen foundation for breast cancer research or the Rockbridge Area Relay for Life.