Sending my condolences. Along with many in Martinsville, I am thankful to Linda Clark for her teaching and sharing her knowledge and love of music in her guitar classes.  It's been 40 years since my guitar classes, but I occasionally play and still use music sheets she made.

Several years ago I met Linda, a wonderful sense of humor, a joy to visit, a lover of music and animals, I am so thankful to have met her. She had a wonderful heart. I think of her often,  especially when I enjoy time with my own animals, and wish comfort to her family at this time. 

I first met Linda in 1956.  We were the only 2 Juniors at our small private school.  We immediately became fast friends.  We both played ukulele together.  She played a standard uke, I played a tenor.    We sang and played together for the two years until we graduated.  I visited her in VA, she visited me in TN.  She was my best friend for years and years and years.  And still we kept in touch.  She and Tommy stood up with me at my wedding.  We saw each other through marriage, pregnancy, divorce, death of family, death of a child.  She was the one person I knew would always no matter what be on my side and love me.  Even if she disagreed with me and explained very clearly exactly what I was  doing wrong.  And still we loved each other deeply and fully.  .  Randy was the person who taught me about emotions and how to name them , identify them, and process them.   I may have taught her guitar but she taught me life.  And I love her more than I could ever express.  Knowing she will never answer the phone again or that I will never pick up the ringing phone and hear "Ginninger" leaves a huge vacancy in my life.  I love her, I love her, I love her.   She was unique and wonderful and , thankfully, flawed.  She was intellectually brilliant!!  and used it to bless other people, teach and comfort them.  She will be missed by all who knew her. 
Ted and Casey, I my prayers and love are with you.
Ginny

Joy! That’s what she gave to everyone! Joy!
From the very first guitar lesson to every time I saw her after the lessons stoped.  Her influence had me start with guitar , but also move onto bass.  No matter the music, she always was such a supporter of people.  Rock band, jazz band and now praise band .. She was excited that you were playing music and enjoyed it .  We were all blessed by the JOY she shared. 

My wonderful guitar teacher. I am  thankful to have met you. After all these years I still play almost every day. My prayers are with the family. 

I met Linda only a short time ago during her brief stay at Stanleytown but we quickly became friends. She always asked the nursing staff to send for me if I had not came to visit her and I gladly went to visit her. When she left it was tears of joy and we kept in touch through social media. She was a joy to everyone she came in contact with and will be missed by everyone. 

My friend who lived for music and animals, taught guitar to my son and  keyboards to my daughter. She and I spent many evenings watching bad movies and vet shows while our dogs played together. A blessing to have known her as a friend

Linda, you were such a light and force to be reckoned with. I clearly remember my first guitar lesson and not really knowing exactly what genre of music I wanted to start to play. If I had it my way it would be a Country guitar playing gal mixed with some Carlos Santana (thank you for opening me up to new music). Your knowledge, wisdom, and love that you showed each of yours turners is only a mere testament to the lives of of the people you have changed just by having the pleasure to know and be around you. You will truly be missed. I hope you are drinking a lot of gin and tonics and playing with all the greats!! 

Linda,  You were a gift to my two boys and hundreds of other children and adults in this community.   You will not be forgotten.  
Rest in perfect peace.  
Susan Henderson

29 years ago, Linda moved me to college in her van & gave me a copy of the book Siddhartha (though its message was lost on me at that age).  She will remain a model of authentic womanhood, of generosity,  of a vastly welcoming spirit, of true wit, and open acceptance...
With deep gratitude, I will hold the memories of not only the powerful roles LFRC played in my life (attempts at advocating for me, teaching me self-acceptance along with guitar, caring for me, etc.) but also how much I dearly love her and how loving she was.
May we all remember and be inspired by her ways & her presence ... Linda was a godsend, affecting so many of us with the gifts she shared.♡
I still only start my ignition the way she taught me to...


At the age of 12, I tentatively entered the basement of Martinsville guitar instructor extraordinaire Linda Clark for my very first guitar lesson. I thought I was going to learn how to play all my favorite hair metal songs...And I’m sure my dad thought guitar lessons were just a passing fad for me. I found solace and purpose in those weekly guitar lessons, and more than just a teacher in Linda; but a friend and a therapist and a role model. My love for hair metal quickly passed, but my love for guitar and my love for Linda grew and grew. She introduced me to so much incredible music and encouraged me to find my voice. When I wanted to write my own music, Linda was the first person to push me. When I got the nerve to perform live, Linda was there to watch and cheer me on. And as I moved away from Martinsville and entered the world of adulthood, Linda was always just a phone call away. We spoke a few months ago and she was given me tips on getting my son started on guitar.
That being said, I was absolutely devastated to hear of her passing this morning. I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me. The world is a much much dimmer place knowing this news. Thank you Linda for all your wisdom and knowledge, the musical education that you bestowed on so many youth in Martinsville and your friendship. I will never listen to Mary Chapin Carpenter or Indigo Girls without thinking of you. 

OBITUARY

Linda Fitz Randolph Clark

January 13, 1939 – November 3, 2020

Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home

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