Linda Riddick

Linda S. Riddick departed this life Wednesday, April 29, 2020.  She was born on June 19, 1943 in Norfolk County, presently known as Chesapeake, Virginia to the late George and Carrie Slight.   As a teenager, Linda attended Crestwood High School, the home of “The Bombers” where she was enthusiastically involved in varied extra-curricular activities which included the Library Club of Crestwood High School and the Future Homemakers of America.  After graduating from Crestwood High School, Linda matriculated at Virginia State College in Petersburg, Virginia, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree.  During her senior year in college, Linda married her sweetheart of ten years, Rayford L. Riddick Sr. and they both completed their requirements for graduation.  Linda went on to further her studies by obtaining a Master of Science Degree from Virginia State College. She was also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.   She spent all thirty-six years of her teaching career in the Portsmouth Public School system.  She went on to retire on June 30, 2004.

Linda S. Riddick, an indefatigable educator, who has used her expertise in the field of education to direct the paths of hundreds of young people, championed numerous humanitarian causes, and exemplified profound Christian faith, and has distinguished herself as an excellent role model for the youth of today.  Although her teaching career was demanding, she found time to devote dedicated service to the growth and development of her church.  Simultaneously, often referred to as “a tower of strength,” she was a strong force for the progressive and efficient service to her community.

In addition to her teaching career, Linda was also a licensed insurance agent for Prime America Life Insurance Company of Chesapeake, Virginia.  She received numerous recognitions and awards while working in this capacity and took a great deal of pride in having been named “Outstanding Agent of the Month”.  

If you know anything about Linda S. Riddick, it is that she loved God and loved and enjoyed working in various capacities at her church, First Baptist Church of Gilmerton.  In the “old” church facility, Linda served as church clerk, church treasurer, and financial secretary.  She served on the Pastor’s Aide Committee and organized the Willing Workers Gospel Choir.  Linda chaired the building committee, hospitality committee, and the Trustee Board.  In the “new” church facility, she functioned as financial secretary/assistant treasurer, worked with the hospitality ministry, and organized the Love Center Choir.  Under her direction, the church raised funds for the construction of the church parking lot.  She really loved First Baptist Church of Gilmerton and was instrumental in the building of the current edifice.  After many years of serving and worshiping at First Baptist Church of Gilmerton, Linda decided to worship with her husband Rayford L. Riddick Sr. at New Hope Baptist Church where she became a member and chairperson of the Pastor Appreciation Ministry.  

Linda’s spirit was obviously led by the values that her mother instilled in her at a young age: a philosophy of helping those less fortunate than you.  She was a champion of numerous social and ethical causes.  She truly believed that God uses all types of personalities as His instrument.  Certainly, she committed her life to serving God and helping her fellow man.  Linda spent countless hours helping the youth, the homeless, the lonely, the elderly, and those less fortunate than she.

Linda is survived by her husband; Rayford L. Riddick Sr.; one son, Rayford L. Riddick Jr. (Rrencie); two grandchildren, Dallis L. Riddick and Jace L. Riddick; three sister, Cleoma Elam (Lewis), Barbara Farrell, Diane Irvin (Harry); one brother, George Slight and one sister, Valerie Griffin, predeceased her in death.  She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.