Linda Tyree, 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, at her home in Richmond, Virginia.

Born on October 25, 1948, in Richmond, Virginia, Linda was the beloved daughter of Charles Floyd Smith and Florence Battle. She graduated from Armstrong High School in 1966 and went on to attend Temple University, where she studied radiology.

Linda dedicated her career to medical service, retiring as a vascular technologist with the federal government and a registered radiologic technologist. Her expertise included mammography instruction, CT scanning, bone densitometry, and ultrasound. Her professional journey spanned Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia, earning her numerous academic distinctions, employee honors, and heartfelt letters of recommendation.

She is survived by her two sons, Richard Smith Sr. (Carla) and Jason Tyree (LaShona), both of Richmond, VA; seven cherished grandchildren—Shanita, Richard Jr., Tiffany, Jeremiah, A’Niyah, Réinah, and Lovéah; her niece, Tracy; her nephew, Richard Jr.; and a host of extended family members with whom she shared deep and meaningful bonds. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Richard Battle Sr. (Barbara Ann), and her nephews Raymond, Kenneth, and Bertram.

Linda’s life was one of divine purpose. A gifted vocalist and lifelong student of the Word, she was a licensed and ordained minister, teacher, counselor, and unwavering prayer warrior. From the age of five—when she first learned of the crucifixion of Christ and devoted her playtime to reading the Bible—her spiritual calling was evident. Neighbors who witnessed her reverence would often hand her pocket change and ask her to place it in the offering plate on their behalf.

As a teenager, she sang in church choirs and performed in a gospel quartet with her friends Ceonna, Gloria, and Susie. Their voices earned citywide recognition and even a minor record deal. Later, in Philadelphia, she emerged as a celebrated soloist, gracing stages such as the Metropolitan Opera House (The Met) and selling out a solo concert at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ.

Linda’s ministry extended far beyond the church walls. She ministered in juvenile centers, men’s and women’s correctional facilities, and penitentiaries—always moved by the gratitude shown to her, like the handmade plaque presented by incarcerated individuals. Her compassion reached the sick and shut-in, whom she visited faithfully in hospitals. Though her faith in Christianity never wavered, she diligently studied the Koran, Torah, Greek, Hebrew, and other sacred texts. Her conclusion was clear and unshakable: “Nothing beats the Bible – The Living Word of God.”

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Point Church, 10500 Newbys Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. The service is open to the public. Interment will be held privately on Monday, August 18, 2025 at Westhampton Memorial & Cremation Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23238.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the James River Hospice team, Shanita Bailey (granddaughter) for exceptional hands-on care, Jennifer Marshall and Kathy Locke for outstanding estate management, Amanda Kinchlow for coordinating the celebration service, Debbie Keeton for providing catering for the repast, and the many friends, family members, and neighbors who have offered love, support, and prayers during this time.

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