On Monday, April 17, 2023, Linda G. Bussinger, my beautiful Proverbs 31 girl, passed away and entered paradise, hand in hand with her Lord Jesus. Linda was 66 years old and the sweetest lady you could ever meet. She was born on November 27, 1956, in Lisbon, New York, to the proud parents of Howard and Lois Glass of Lisbon, New York. Linda received her Master’s of Education degree from Houghton University in 1978 and fulfilled her life’s passion of being a school teacher, following her Aunt Helen who was her inspiration. Linda taught first grade at St. Pete Christian School from 1979 through 1993, Mt. Veron Elementary for 14 years, and also did home school evaluations for 12 years with a homeschool in her home for three years. She always wanted to be a teacher and help children develop into wonderful, mature adults, which she did a fantastic job of accomplishing.
Linda met her husband-to-be in 1990 when a close friend told her she had the perfect man for her who she worked with on a missions trip in Haiti. Linda attended Suncoast Cathedral where her husband-to-be, Dave, led the praise and worship for the men’s group and was an usher and short-term mission trip leader. Dave finally asked Linda out, and they have been together for 33 years, just having celebrated their 31st anniversary on April 11, 2023. Linda served with her husband as senior adult pastors at Suncoast Cathedral from September 2004 – April of 2022 when they expanded out on their own ministry, Steps of Faith Inc., with Bob and Becky Barkley and Bill and Terry Lofgren. God had called them to bless the community with the joy of Jesus. Linda loved people, and it showed. Linda worked with Dave in leadership, putting together mission trips around the world.
Her last outreach was a personal interview with Pastor Dell Hyssong of Joy for the Journey, telling her testimony of how God healed her of gastric cancer. Her interview went out to 84 countries on the NOW Christian TV Network, Praise the Lord.
Linda and Dave loved to travel to the Smoky Mountains, where they stayed in a cabin for 31 years at least three times a year. They also traveled out west to the Grand Canyon and up and down the East Coast. Linda was the fisherman in the family. She always out-fished Dave by catching the most fish, which cost Dave ice cream every time.
Linda was preceded in passing by her father Howard and mother Lois and many relatives. She is survived by her husband Dave, her brother Will and sister-in-law Robin, a stepson Justin and step-granddaughters Kara and Brenna. She is also survived by cousins and two aunts, Mary and Ruth. Her cousin Lynne would call and pray with her every week, and her other cousins were lifting her up in prayer as well.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center at 4951-78th Ave N in Pinellas Park, FL 33781. The service time is from 10-12, with the service at 10-11 and a gospel concert from 11-12 noon, as usual. Singing will be by Jeff Shadowens, Pastors Phil and Jan Enloe, our friend Tony Gore from TN, and our friends, the Hyssongs. Linda asked if everyone could please wear purple because purple means royalty, and we are King’s kids. Instead of flowers, make donations to Steps of Faith Inc. We will have a donation box or send them to 7228 Stone Haven Ct N Pinellas Park, FL 33781. Part of your donation will go to Samaritan’s Purse who Linda loved. Linda and our team would send out 100 shoeboxes to needy children. Thank you all for all your love and support for Linda and we love you all. We are so thankful to Jim and Chief from Veterans Funeral Care for all they have done for us. We also want to personally thank Bob and Becky and Bobbie and so many others who have been right besides us on our journey.
Dave, Will and Robin and to all Linda ‘s family and friends. We would like to send our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Ronnie and Pat Kiah
Dave and family
Linda was a blessing to our family and many others over the years through her loving dedication to whomever she met and also we seniors. Yes, Linda was a Proverbs 31 woman who loved Jesus and served others with a loving heart. Linda is now home with the Jesus for eternity along with her believing loved ones and friends.
I am so sad to hear of Linda’s passing from this life but I’m so happy that she is walking with Jesus and holding his beloved hand. Linda was a true servant of the Lord Jesus and a wonderful leader within the Silver Saints ministry. She loved people and she was very encouraging, hard working and patient. I have only known Linda for about seven years while working at Suncoast. She was a pleasure to be around. I loved her smile and giggle. I have great memories of Dave and Linda while we ate at the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge, TN and sitting with her in the back seat while we toured Hidden Mountain Resorts property. Linda was very kind and admirable. Pastor Dave- John, Ian and I thank you for you kindness and pray for you now and always. God bless. – The Osborn Family. John, Christine and Ian
I know all too well the sadness of losing someone that you are so close to, my mother went to be with Jesus in April 2022. She loved going to Silver Saints on Mondays at Suncoast Cathedral. She was hesitant at first, then she found being around Linda was such a joy.
Linda is now in the place she longed for, and that is to be in the presence of Jesus. No more pain, no more sorrow, and surrounded by those who have gone before her. She was a (Proverbs 31) Woman in all areas of her life.