Linda Place Van Meter

Linda touched thousands of lives; as a daughter, sibling, teacher, friend, wife, mother and grandmother. She brought comfort to those that knew her through her knowledge and compassion, her giving to others, her radiant smile that was ever present, and her belief and faith in Jesus Christ. Linda brought hope, love, and a promise of a better tomorrow to everyone she encountered.

Her passion was to teach, and through her education at Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University and Nova University, she was able to offer 31 years of service and dedication to the mentally challenged children of Florida. Her career culminated at Stoneman Douglas High School, where she was honored to compose the new school's Alma Mater and received Teacher of the Year recognition in 1998. Her selfless sacrifice was not only evident in her commitment to the children that she served, but also to the church that she followed and supported throughout her life. Upon her passing, a colleague stated that "saying she was a master teacher is trivial. She was much more than that. The educational community lost a true professional once she retired."

In October 2003 she married Dr. James W. Van Meter, Jr. and moved to Lakeway, Texas where they enjoyed life on Lake Travis and in the Texas Hill country. Linda was active in community life and in the life of her church, Central Christian Church, in Austin, Texas.

The light is now a little dimmer, the heart a little heavier, for God has called one of his children home. For those who knew her, we have been truly blessed to have called her daughter, sister, teacher, wife, mother, grandmother and friend…….

In lieu of Flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to either Central Christian Church, 1110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX, or St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38148-0142.