It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Linda Ann Jones, née Shotwell, who departed this life on May 26, 2026, at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Born on January 30, 1954, in Fort Devens, Ayer, Massachusetts, Linda’s journey through life was marked by unwavering dedication, enduring love, and an infectious joy that touched all who had the privilege to know her.

She was a cherished daughter of the late Mary and Jack Shotwell and sister to the late Craig Shotwell. She leaves behind her son, Spencer Jones, daughter-in-law, Brielle Jones, and two grandchildren, as well as beloved siblings Joanne Burgess, Jean Allen, William Shotwell, and Bruce Shotwell, who remember her with fondness and admiration.

As a child, she developed a passion for travel and adventure in part due to being an Army brat and living in Panama and Italy. This sense of adventure continued into young adulthood as she briefly pursued modeling as well as a 6-month backpacking trip through Europe.

She obtained her associates degree from Northern Virginia Community College, where she earned her associate degree, laying the foundation for a life characterized by tenacity and a continuous desire to improve not only her own circumstances but those of her family. Linda exemplified this spirit through her many roles over the years, often balancing two jobs simultaneously. Yet it was as a bus driver for Fairfax County that she found her true calling—a vocation she embraced with pride for two decades. Day after day, she ensured the safe passage of the next generation to their schools, a quiet yet vital role that she performed with steadfast commitment and heartfelt care.

Beyond her professional life, Linda was a woman whose heart found its greatest joy in family. Her proudest accomplishment was the raising of her son, Spencer, watching him build a life founded on good character and love, and being the devoted grandmother to her treasured grandchildren. The role of grandmother was not merely a familial title; it was her passion and delight. She reveled in spoiling her grandchildren, her eyes lighting up in every captured moment of togetherness.

Linda’s personality was a radiant beacon of kindness and joy. A consummate people pleaser, she dedicated herself to bringing happiness to others, lending her great sense of humor, unyielding smile, and inner beauty to lighten every room she entered. Her love for life was evident in the way she transformed each house she lived in into a welcoming haven, using her exceptional eye for design even within modest means. Travel was another cherished joy, as she devised family vacations within driving distance that created lifelong memories. An accomplished cook, her culinary talents not only delighted those around her but ignited a passion for cooking in her son, further weaving love into the fabric of their family.

She leaves behind a legacy built on love, perseverance, and jubilant devotion to family and community. Linda will be remembered not only for the lives she shaped and the smiles she inspired but for the profound grace and dignity with which she faced life’s challenges.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life beautifully lived—one that brought comfort, laughter, and boundless love to an extended circle of family and friends. May her memory be a blessing and her spirit continue to inspire us all.