Linda Jones Pillifant, 72, of Charlottesville, Va., died on March 19, 2024, with her children by her side.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Cleve, easily the most handsome man of all time. Linda is survived by son Andy and his family (Tiffany, Lael, Oscar, and Miles); daughter Melissa Whitehead and her family (Courtney, Jacob, Nathan, and Ruby); brother Joel and his wife Jennifer; sister Brenda and her husband Al; three nephews, two nieces, lots of in-laws, one dog, just the right amount of close friends, and kind caregivers.

Linda was born left-handed in Anson, Texas, on October 17, 1951, the first-born child of Robert Davis and Jimmie Lee Jones. After a stay in Gallup, New Mexico, the family settled in Albuquerque. Linda graduated from Del Norte High School in 1969 and received a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education from The University of New Mexico in 1973. Good grades and steady employment paid her tuition. A month after graduating, she married Cleve Bruce Pillifant, her friend since the age of 12 and her boyfriend of many years, and they quickly settled into a married life that included travel, dancing, friendships, and romance.

Linda taught hundreds of students about the art and skill of family science. She was a talented and respected artisan throughout her life and taught herself to work in a variety of mediums. She made clothes for her family, Halloween costumes for her kids, wardrobes for school performances, altered garments for neighbors, wove textiles, painted, knitted, stitched, you name it. She was creative and resourceful and had a keen eye and deep appreciation for quality work. She regularly wrote letters and cards to her parents and siblings and friends, always in exquisite, elegant cursive.

Linda was the proud wife of a United States Marine and a devoted mother who demonstrated patience and unconditional love every day. She enjoyed the seasons, especially the fall, and made a point to learn as much as she could about all of the places she lived. She was charmingly gullible, had a beautiful smile and a sought-after laugh, and teared up easily.

Linda was loved by many and will be remembered for being sweet and kind and tender. Her artistry and craftsmanship will be recalled for years to come. Her compassion and strength will continue to inspire, and she will be dearly missed by those who knew her for decades or days.

She will soon rest with Cleve at Arlington National Cemetery, reuniting with the man who never stopped seeing his prom date with every look or glance her way.

The family wishes to recognize and thank Rosewood Village for years of dignified, personal care, and the medical professionals at The University of Virginia for their empathy in her final days.

For more information about memorial services, to send condolences, or any further information contact Hill & Wood Funeral Services.