Linda Woodie Cocke

Linda Woodie Cocke, age 76, of Madison Heights, also known lovingly as Shug, Baby, Momma, Mom, Gamby, and so many more, is shining among the heavens now.

Born on November 10, 1949, in Staunton, VA, she was the daughter of the late Phyllis Campbell and Murrell Campbell. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Wayne Campbell; sister, Lucy Bryant; and grandson, Thomas Denton.

To know her was to love her. She was fiercely loyal to her family, friends, and political views, which never wavered. She loved music, even though she could only remember one line from each of her favorite songs—and there were A LOT. She was also great at telling jokes but not remembering the punchline and/or telling the punchline first were her specialties. Her quick wit and zest for life will be missed.

She loved her community and was always giving back. Her accomplishments include being a CASA volunteer, youth sports leader, Amherst County Chamber president, and a member of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. She retired from WSET as a well-known and well-loved account executive.

She continues to watch over her husband, Wayne Cocke; daughters, Laurey Denton and Mandy Cocke; granddaughter, Sydnie Stinnette; fur baby, Sammy; brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Karen Campbell; brother-in-law, Chuck Bryant; three nieces, Wendy, Amy, and Crystal; one nephew, Troy; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a plethora of extended family and friends.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the team who took great care of her at Centra Health: Nessie Garland—you are an angel, and we were blessed with your presence. Dr. Elizabeth Cook—thank you for caring for her like she was part of your family. Quita—she appreciated your loving care. Meredith—thank you for holding our hands while we navigated the process.

The family will receive friends at Whitten Monelison Chapel in Madison Heights on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. and will receive visitors in the home at other times.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amherst County Public Library, 382 South Main St., Amherst, VA 24521, as she was an avid reader.

We look forward to hearing all of your stories about her, and we wish to laugh and cry with you. Please also share your stories on her remembrance wall, as we would like to make a book to remember her.