News Summary
Virginia Cottrell Linkenauger, a cherished educator and community volunteer, has passed away peacefully at the age of 95. Known for her warm spirit and dedication, she profoundly impacted her students and community. Virginia is survived by her family and leaves a lasting legacy through her work in education and volunteerism. A celebration of her life is scheduled to honor her contributions.
Lanexa, VA – Virginia Cottrell Linkenauger, a beloved educator and dedicated community volunteer, passed away peacefully at her home in Lanexa, Virginia, on September 24, 2025. She was 95 years old. Virginia is remembered for her warm spirit and profound impact on her students and the wider community during her long life.
She is survived by her brother, Benjamin G. Cottrell IV, and his wife, Rachel, of Norfolk. Virginia is also survived by her two sons, Mont and David (Diana), a daughter-in-law, Debbie, ten grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply. Virginia was the loving wife of Mont for 49 years until his passing.
Virginia was born on July 27, 1930, in Richmond, Virginia, and spent her childhood in Norfolk. She graduated from Maury High School, where she developed a passion for the arts through participation in chorus and synchronized swimming. Virginia pursued higher education at the College of William and Mary, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in English in 1952 and a Master’s in Education in 1968. She was also an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority while attending college.
Throughout her professional life, Virginia made a significant impact as a high school English teacher in the WJCC Public School System. She eventually became the Head of the English Department at Lafayette High School, where she dedicated her career to fostering a love of literature and learning. Following her retirement, Virginia continued to serve her community through volunteering for organizations such as FISH, Meals on Wheels, and the Woman’s Club of Toano.
Virginia’s gentle grace, quiet strength, and boundless generosity positively influenced countless lives around her. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and solving crossword puzzles in her leisure time. Some of her greatest joys included sailing on the Chesapeake Bay with her husband and welcoming family and friends into her home on the Chickahominy River.
Virginia is preceded in death by her husband Mont, her son James, and her parents, James D. Cottrell and Zenovia G. Cottrell. The family plans to honor her legacy with a celebration of her life on October 1, 2025, at 2 PM. The service will be held at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, located at 500 Jamestown Road, with a reception to follow at the William and Mary Alumni House, 500 Richmond Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the William and Mary Athletic Impact Fund, specifically the Mont M. and Virginia Cottrell Linkenauger Sports Medicine Endowment, in honor of Virginia’s commitment to education and community service.
Virginia Cottrell Linkenauger leaves behind a legacy of compassion, love, and dedication to the community that she served selflessly. Her impact on the lives of those she touched will be felt for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Virginia Cottrell Linkenauger
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Daily Press: Mont Miller Linkenauger
- Google Search: Virginia Cottrell Linkenauger
- Google Scholar: Education Impact Community Service
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher
- Dignity Memorial: Virginia Linkenauger Obituary
- Google News: Community Service Volunteers
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
