Linda Youngblood

Linda Youngblood was born February 15, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Grace and James Youngblood, Sr. On Feb 7, 2021, Linda transitioned to her heavenly home and received her set of wings. Linda grew up in West Philadelphia. She began her primary education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Schools at St. Agatha and then attended West Catholic High School for Girls. In the early 80’s she met DeVaughn Boyd and they later had a beautiful daughter, Letitia Wood (Youngblood). Letitia was Linda's pride, joy, and the light of her life. Words cannot express how much Linda truly loved and adored her daughter. She devoted her life to make sure Letitia had the best of everything. Linda boasted often of how extremely proud she was of beloved daughter and her #1 son (in-love), Brian. Linda was affectionately called “Momma Linda” by those that loved her. Linda not only enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, but she was an amazing and dedicated caretaker for family and friends. Linda’s caring nature transferred over into her caregiver career at St. Edmond’s Home for Handicap Children. She was fully committed to serving medically fragile children and caring for them as if they were her own. For those clients without family, Linda would often bring them home for the holidays so they would not be alone. She was an angel to so many people. Linda obtained her nursing aid certification and transitioned to the Simpson House, where she later retired. At the Simpson House, Linda also provided specialized care and support to adults, which she truly had a passion for and enjoyed. Linda had a great sense of humor and an enormous love for people. Her laughter and smile were contagious. Those that knew Linda from young to old can reminisce how she loved shopping, playing badminton, Skee-Ball, and pinball on the old school machines to solitaire, bowling, and various games on her electronics. Linda was tech-savvy and she quickly learned about home improvements from videos on YouTube. She was also down with the times as she joined the younger generation in watching Tik Tok videos and reality television. Linda thoroughly enjoyed traveling– she had fond memories of family vacations at Williamsburg and Myrtle Beach and especially enjoyed when her travels included the opportunity to use her passport, surprise trips from her daughter, and the ability to make new memories with her family. Linda faithfully read her daily devotions, loved listening to gospel music, and her oldies but goodies, including the Temptations, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and Marvin Gaye. Linda was so delighted and honored to be the grandmother of Zion and Layla. Her grands, the loves of her life, called her "Mom-Mom" and "Boo Boo" and doted on her every time they had a chance. Linda fully enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren whether it be in person, on the phone, or by way of “Alexa”. Linda would laugh when Layla would tell Alexa to call "Boo Boo”. Linda and Layla spent countless hours conversing with one another about anything and everything. Zion and Layla adored their grandmother and she knew it. Linda thoroughly enjoyed her sweets, seafood, and dining out with her family, especially at her favorite restaurant, Big Fish at the Waterfront in Wilmington. Countless memories were made there, including special occasions when it was her birthday, and to celebrate Zion’s 8th-grade graduation. She was so proud of him and all of his accomplishments; especially making honor roll. Linda had a very special bond with her sisters, especially Dorothy McSeed. Dorothy was Linda’s companion and they were often side by side. Dorothy was Linda’s helpmate and regularly took Linda to her appointments, fun family visits/gatherings including visiting her sister Barbara Smith. Although Linda’s sister Elaine lived out of town, she and Linda talked weekly. Linda loved the Lord and was a dedicated member of the Abundant Life Healing Fellowship Church. She loved Bishop Walker and her church family. Linda was a member of the Human Resources Ministry and served for the Thanksgiving Sharing Program. She cherished the times she was able to prepare or serve meals for the homeless and help organize the weekly food donations for the community. Anything she could do to help others, she would, including faithfully donating to the St. Jude's Foundation, and even after she rested, she donated to the Gift of Life organ donation program. Linda said, "they may not be able to use my heart, but whatever they can take to save someone's life, I want them to". She was an exceptional woman of God with a heart of gold. Linda's life is a true example of what it means to be selfless and how to love abundantly. Enduring many health adversities, Linda made a commitment to enjoy every moment she was blessed with. There were many dear friends she made over the years and became the best of friends with Francine Bailey, Kim Calamese, and the late Ann Smith. The bond of friendship is unbreakable and will be forever …. Left to carry out her legacy is her devoted and loving daughter Letitia (Brian); Grandchildren: Robert “Zion” Jackson and Layla Bri Wood; Sisters: Barbara Smith, Elaine Williams, and Dorothy McSeed; Sister-Niece: Lisa Smith-Strothers; Goddaughters: Robin Smith Fleming and Kelly Calamese; Children in Love: Quinton Bond, Theresa Ellerbe (Allen) and their children Jamal, Jasmine, and Javiah, Denae Johnson, Saundra Boyd and her daughter Mariah Dabney, DeVaughn Boyd Jr., Josephine Boyd, and Isabel Boyd. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and countless friends. Her parents and brothers, James, Edward, and Harry Youngblood welcomed her to her heavenly home. The doctor told Linda she had a bad heart, but all who knew Linda can attest that no beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart and Linda had a beautiful, beautiful, heart. **The family is accepting donations for meals as they are unable to think about cooking as this time. Donations can be sent to Tish's cash app at $phillyhoney**

Linda Youngblood

February 15, 1956 - February 7, 2021