Linda B. Jessee

With heavy hearts, the family of Linda Belle Jessee, age 77, announces her passing on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach, FL, following a long illness. Born May 24, 1948, Linda was one of six children of the late Troy and Katherine Helbert Jessee.

Linda grew up in Castlewood, VA, and graduated from Castlewood High School on June 2, 1966. The following day, at the age of 18, she moved to the Washington D.C. area and began her career with the U.S. Government which would continue for 37 years. In 2005, she moved to her happy place, Daytona Beach Shores, FL, to enjoy retirement, spend time with her sisters and revel in a spectacular view of the ocean daily.

Linda loved her family deeply and treasured the time she spent with them. The love she gave will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her and she will be fondly remembered as an intelligent, independent woman who was always welcoming to those who visited her home; for her love of conversation, reading books, working puzzles, playing trivia, and always stepping in as a caregiver when someone needed her. But, most of all, we will remember her joy and loving devotion for animals, especially dogs.

As a member of Port Orange Presbyterian Church, Linda, spent time in the earlier years of retirement helping with programs at the church and the Halifax Urban Ministry. She loved to crochet and spent time with her friends in the Prayer Shawl Ministry group making shawls for the sick or elderly, prayer blankets, baby blankets and other items to donate to those in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Norman Jessee, four sisters, Betty Hartwell, Kay Lanz, Charlotte Tarwater and Sandra Lunsford; stepson, Larry East and grandson, Damion Anderson.

Left to cherish her memory is the love of her life of 52 years, Curtis East; her step-daughter, Rebecca East and husband, Buck Soles of Flower Mount, TX, stepson, Kevin East of Daytona Beach, FL; brother-in-law, Jake East and wife, Beverly, of Laurel, MD; sister-in-law, Janet Mullins and husband, Danny, of Laurel, MD; grandchildren, Brittney Soles, Acea Soles both of San Antonio, TX, Jada Soles of Highland Village, TX, and Amanda Madere of Deltona; great-grandchildren, Niko Soles, Sapphire Soles, Summer Parker of Deltona and Adam Adcox of Deltona; several great-grandchildren and a large number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who had a special bond with her. In addition, she will be terribly missed by her little shadow and constant companion, Bella, who followed every step Linda took; what love those two shared.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Port Orange Presbyterian Church, 4662 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange, FL, with Rev. Stacy Chandler officiating.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Port Orange Presbyterian Church, 4662 S. Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, FL 32129; Halifax Humane Society, 2364 LPGA Blvd, Daytona Beach FL 32124, or The Mayo Clinic, Dept of Development, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905