Linda Davis

BARRE – Linda Faye Williamson Davis, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Linda was born at home in Jeffersonville, VT, on September 19, 1941.  She was the second of eight children born to Stanley “Joe” and Mary Williamson.  Growing up on a dairy farm, Linda was no stranger to baling hay, working alongside the boys.  This was where she developed her strong work ethic.

She graduated from Cambridge High School in 1959 as the Salutatorian of her class.  Linda attended Johnson State College briefly, leaving for Burdette Business College, where she graduated with a Stenographic Secretarial degree.  She subsequently worked as a secretary for Madona Mountain and the State of Vermont.

In the spring of 1976, Linda enrolled in Johnson State College, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education.  She earned that degree commuting from Barre, returning home at the end of the day to take care of her home and family.  After graduation she found part-time teaching positions in Woodbury and Greensboro, VT.  Eventually gaining a full-time teaching position at Johnson Elementary for several years.  When, due to budget restraints, her teaching position was eliminated, Linda became a paraeducator at Spaulding High School in Barre, VT working with special needs students.

Linda made an impact on all she knew.  Her sense of humor and spunky nature, kept a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.  She was resilient in the face of much adversity in her life and she refused to let it get her down.  Linda was generous with her time and whatever she had, sharing and fairness were high on her priority list.  When her physical health declined due to a work injury, she fiercely advocated for herself.

Linda enjoyed both playing and watching sports, and was voted most athletic in high school.  Attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events was something she looked forward to.  Come high school basketball tournament time in Vermont, she would frequently attend games at the Barre Auditorium without having anyone she knew playing.  Gardening was a passion, and one that she did exceptionally.  A passion that continued even after she was physically unable to participate, and she continued to share her knowledge.

One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother, known to her grandchildren as Grammie Linda.  She frequently took Amtrak to Long Island and then New Jersey, as well as many road trips to New Hampshire and Canaan, VT.  Maine vacations with her daughters family were a mainstay for many years, with sunrise beachcombing always on the agenda, followed by fresh donuts.

Linda is survived by her brothers Richard Williamson and David Williamson and his wife, Debbie of Jeffersonville, VT; her daughter Stacey L.D. Moss and her husband, James of Freehold, NJ; grandsons Nicholas Moss and his wife, Ashley of Bayville, NJ, Cameron Moss of Freehold, NJ and Ryan Gates of St. Johnsbury, VT; great-granddaughters Sydney Moss of Texas and Johanna Moss of New Jersey as well as many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

She was predeceased by her siblings John Williamson, Nancy Williamson Vanat, Stanley Williamson, Jr., Phyllis Williamson Belair and Georgia Williamson Gomez; sister-in-law Suzanne Randall Williamson and her brother-in-law John Belair; her son, Michael George Davis, grandson, Nathaniel “Nate” Moss and granddaughter Elizabeth Anne Davis.

Her daughter, Stacey, is planning an outdoor celebration of life once the warmer temperatures return to Vermont, all are welcome to join us and share memories of an exceptional lady.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, January 25, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Vermont Food Bank, 33 Parker Road, Barre, VT 05641 or at https://www.vtfoodbank.org  would be greatly appreciated.  No one deserves to go hungry.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”

-Audrey Hepburn