Linda Polhamus

Linda Holden Polhamus, 71, lost her valiant battle with cancer on April 5, 2018. She was the younger child of Edith and Leroy Holden of Mansfield, OH, born May 19, 1946. She was predeceased by both parents and by her brother Ron. Linda was a proud graduate of Malibar High School and Kent State University, after which she began her teaching career in East Cleveland, OH. Linda and her first husband, Don Laflamme, moved to Danville for Don’s work in the instrument laboratory at Goodyear Tire and Rubber – Danville. They brought their two young children with them, Devin and Brenda.  Linda often mentioned how helpful the Newcomers Club was to a young wife with small children in a new town, and friendships from that club lasted to her final days. After her divorce, Linda continued her teaching career at the middle school level in Danville Public Schools, eventually retiring in 2004.  Back in 1990, a teaching colleague suggested Linda go with her to sing with the Danville Area Choral Arts Society (DACAS). That fall, she got to know Ed Polhamus in DACAS and they started dating, beginning with a “surprise me” first date to the opera in Greensboro.  They were married June 12, 1992, at Ascension Lutheran Church, creating a blended family with Devin, Brenda, Winston, and William.  Linda continued singing in DACAS until the fall of 2017, when the cancer had robbed her of her vocal range. Linda is survived by her husband, Ed Polhamus of Danville; her son, Devin Laflamme, of Danville; her daughter and her husband, Brenda (Bren) and Adam Taylor of Danville; her precious granddaughters Delaney West and Ava Taylor of Danville; her step-son Winston Polhamus of Virginia Beach; her step-son and his wife, Will and Tara Polhamus of Midlothian, VA; her step-grandchildren Cole and Josie Polhamus of Midlothian; her sister-in-law Ann Holden of Huntersville, NC; and a multitude of extended family and friends. In addition to her teaching career and her many years in DACAS, Linda was also deeply involved at Ascension Lutheran Church, in a variety of ministries ranging from the choir to Chrismons. She always scanned the fields along any road in Pittsylvania County or Caswell County, looking for that perfect single-trunk, 20-foot-tall, well-shaped blue cedar tree which might become the next Chrismons tree at Ascension.  She was also a charter member and two-term President of the Danville Braves Booster Club. Always eager to cheer for her children and grandchildren, Linda became a well-known “super fan” at many types of games and other activities. She and Ed drove thousands of miles over the years and endured freezing weather outdoors on occasion to support members of the family. A Celebration of Life will be conducted by Pastor Meredith Williams at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 12 2018, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main Street, Danville. After the service, everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall for light refreshments, a chance to speak with the family, and an opportunity to view photos, old and new, that may spark lively discussions. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a worthy charity in Linda’s honor.