HAMPTON — Linda Lunita Sholar Laster, 72, passed away Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, with her family by her side after bravely battling multiple illnesses.
She was born April 16, 1948, to the late Charlie and Anna Kersey Sholar in Newport News. Linda attended Newport News High School until she was the legal age to marry.
With some help from her best friend Linda Cooke’s mom, Mrs. Sizemore, she married her sweetheart John Laster in 1964, and they lived together in Hampton for the past 56 years. During the lean years, she accepted an assistant manager position at 7-11. Soon after, John realized that Linda was the family matriarch that held their family together and insisted that she quit her job.
Linda was an avid NASCAR fan. Until his death, she rooted for the late Dale Earnhardt and then Jimmie Johnson. During football season, you could always find her in front of the T.V. cheering for the Redskins. She enjoyed camping and going to the pottery, but her true passion was shopping at Walmart. She even bought a plaque for John that said, “When I die bury me at Walmart so my wife will visit me.”
Linda is survived by her baby sister, Martha; loving husband, John; four children, Kathy Croy of Virginia Beach, Sheila Burslie of Chesapeake, Sandra Jerue, of Norfolk and John Michael Laster of Hampton; 12 grandchildren, Brian, Matthew, Christopher, Brandon, Bradley, Brittney, Michael, William, Amanda, Conner, Kirstynn and Tyler; and six great-grandchildren, Brandy, Brynn, Kaylynn, Lucas, Kaydence and Cameron.
Linda will be sorely missed by all her friends and family alike. She may have taken her final checkered flag on this earth, but do not mourn her passing because she is in heaven doing her victory lap.
Viewing will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Linda and John’s home in Hampton following the graveside service.
Share online condolences with the family at Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory.
