Linda Bergen Herndon, 71, of Prosperity died Saturday, December 10, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born on August 26, 1951, in Newberry, she was a daughter of the late Lydie Clary and Earl Howell Bergen.

She was a graduate of St. Angela's Academy, where she developed life-long friendships. She had a long career as a nurse, working with Dr. Mills, Dr. Pinner, and ultimately retiring from Three Rivers Medical Association. In addition to her nursing, she continued in the family business, as owner and operator of Bergen's Gift Shop in Newberry. Linda was a member or St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Her greatest joy was her family and her second was history and genealogy. The two closely connected, Linda was passionate about learning all she could about her family lineage. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and President of the PACE Society of America, SC Chapter. She discovered pictures, letters, and stories from many generations, and they filled her home.

She was her family's greatest supporter, always excited to learn of their new endeavors. She made sure to instill the importance of caring for others in her family's daily life. Linda was genuinely affectionate and never hesitated to show her love for you, especially through her warm embraces. She immediately found kinship in Tommy's family and shared her love with them. Whether through her care as a nurse, the joy of surprise through her gift store, or simply her hugs, Linda's truest gift and fulfillment was found in loving others.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Tommy Herndon; children, Thomas C. Herndon (Melissa) of Albany, GA, Mark B. Herndon (Kristen) of Goose Creek, SC, and Clayton S. Herndon (Breanna) of Chapin, SC; grandchildren, Zachary Herndon, Brennan Herndon, Carter Herndon, Brynn Herndon, and Miles Herndon; siblings, Jeannette Kirkland (Sandy) of Winston, Ga and Earl Bergen III (Catherine) of Ridgeland, SC; sister-in-law, Sherron Deal (Wayne) of Rocky Mount, NC; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Gary Brandenburg at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends in the social hall at the church 1 hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00PM, and again following the services.

Pallbearers will be nephews and grandsons.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Kathy and Daphne for their loving care for Linda.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2496 S.C. Highway 773, Pomaria, SC 29126, or to Tamassee DAR School, 1925 Bumgardner Dr Tamassee, SC 29686 (reference Jasper/Newberry County Chapter).

Memories and messages may be shared with the family on Linda's tribute page at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Herndon family.