Linda Ann Shaw Holt

Linda Ann Shaw Holt, 74, wife of Currie Linwood Holt, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill.Linda was born October 5, 1940 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late John and Dorothy DeSalvo Shaw.Linda began her professional career with Eastern Airlines in 1960 and continued with Air Florida.She achieved her ultimate goal when she became Station Manager for Air Florida in West Palm Beach, FL…the only female Station Manager in the state.Linda and Linwood were married on October 19, 1978.After moving to Clarksville, she enjoyed taking classes at the Community College in Keysville and learning the game of golf.In 1982, Linda opened Southside Travel and at her retirement was operating offices in South Boston, South Hill and Farmville.She belonged to several Chambers of Commerce and Travel/Cruise-related professional organizations and was instrumental in forming the Mecklenburg Commission.This commission designed and produced the county flag and organized the first State of the County Symposium.After Linda’s retirement, she and friend, Connie Sadlowski began the Lake Country Women’s Investment Club, which lasted for 12 years and she and Betty Rae Norwood brought the Lunch Buddy Program to Clarksville Elementary School in 1996.A lover of animals, Linda’s heart belonged to the Lake Country SPCA, where she was fortunate to be able to help advance its efforts in Clarksville to provide home and shelter to the many unwanted and abused animals in the area.In 2003, Linda was part of a group of concerned citizens that came together to form a new YMCA Committee Board.This committee expanded and is now the Mecklenburg County Community Services Corporation (MCCSC), which was incorporated on April 4, 2005. On May 27, 2010, a ribbon cutting was held for the new facility, known as The Complex, which included the new and expanded YMCA as well as The Lake Country Distance Education Center and the Southside Virginia Community College.Linda’s finest effort and legacy is the Prestwould Junior Hostesses/Mecklenburg Junior Women’s Association. In addition to her husband, Linda is survived by her children, John Scott McGrath of Hobe Sound, FL, Lynn Thomas Holt of Pompano Beach, FL, Lisa Versfraete of Atlanta, GA and Holly Holt of West Palm Beach, FL.Her sister, Shelia Difatta of Baton Rouge, LA also survives.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday at 3pm at Clarksville Baptist Church with the Reverends Jane Lyon and John Bright officiating. Immediately following the service will be a New Orleans style celebration at the Clarksville Community Center.In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Linda’s name to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, of which Linda was a member, c/o P.O. Box 1537, Clarksville, Va.23927 or the Lake Country SPCA, P.O. Box 14, Clarksville, Va.23927.Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wclfh.com.When asked how Linda would like to be remembered, her answer was:to be Mother, Wife, Friend…..there is nothing else.