Mrs. Linda Bagwell Custis, 77, of Onancock, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughters, on Nov. 22, 2025.
A native and lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore, Linda was the eldest daughter of Anne Nelson Bagwell and Isaiah William Bagwell III. Linda was born on Dec. 5, 1947, and graduated from Onancock High School in 1966.
During her high school years, she began dating Henry Powell Custis Jr., who lived just around the corner from her. They dated through much of high school and while she attended Peace College in Raleigh, N.C., before marrying in 1968. After spending the first couple of years of marriage in Richmond while Henry attended law school, they returned to Onancock.
In 1970, Henry and Linda purchased their home on Onancock Creek — Meadville. For more than 50 years, Linda devoted herself to her family and the restoration and preservation of the 19th-century home and surrounding property. An avid and devoted gardener, she spent countless hours tending to her yard and gardens, transforming the property into a place of beauty and peace.
Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Linda was also a longtime member of the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore. She was proud to open Meadville to the public and welcome visitors on two different occasions for the annual Historic Garden Week tour of homes.
Her talents extended well beyond her own gardens. She was an accomplished floral arranger who competed and won ribbons in several state and local competitions on behalf of her garden club.
Linda was also deeply devoted to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. She was an active member for decades, serving on the vestry and leading the altar guild for many years.
Linda enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and was happiest tending her garden, riding out the creek with Henry on the boat, or enjoying a lazy day at the beach. She loved sharing adventures with her daughters, traveling to the cities they called home, and getting to know their friends. She especially cherished her role as “Lindy” to her three grandchildren. A gracious and welcoming hostess, Linda loved having friends and newcomers down to the house, often gathering for evening cocktails and lively conversation on the porch.
Her presence brightened every room, and her thoughtful, gentle nature touched the lives of all who knew her.
Linda was the embodiment of grace, kindness, and poise. In more recent years, as she struggled with a debilitating illness, she met it with courage and dignity, sustained by a profound gratitude for the blessings of a loving family, dear friends, and a supportive Eastern Shore community. Her bravery and positive outlook in the face of adversity have been an inspiration to her family.
Linda was predeceased by her parents and by Henry, her husband of 57 years.
She is survived by her daughters, Anne Taylor Custis, of Atlanta, and Nell Custis Mitchell (Bill), of Atlanta; and her grandchildren, Henry S. Mitchell, Lucy C. Mitchell, and Lillian N. Custis. She is also survived by her sister, Jean B. Styer (Bruce); her sister-in-law, Claudia T. Bagwell, her brother-in-law, William S. Custis (Lola), and their families.
A graveside funeral service will be held at Fairview Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m., with the Very Rev. Churchill G. Pinder officiating. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Onancock. Any changes to service location will be posted on the Williams Funeral Home website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society (Ker Place), P.O. Box 179, Onancock, VA 23417, www.shorehistory.org/donate-1
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
