The SCCC is lucky to have many dedicated volunteers that contribute to making our work successful. From volunteers who come in when special projects arise to those who participate regularly on one of our many committees, we appreciate them all.

Every few months,, we recognize a volunteer for their contributions to the SCCC. Below are our most recent recognitions.

-contributed by Anita Dodd

Linda Belles has been a member of the Stafford County Cemetery Committee since 2004. Born in Washington, Iowa in 1949, she moved east in 1952. She lived in Alexandria and then Fairfax County. She graduated from Groveton High School, in Fairfax County, Virginia. After high school she entered the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  After the Army she eventually moved to Stafford County, Virginia. She is a retired mail carrier whose routes included Fairfax and Stafford Counties. It was in Stafford County that Linda became interested in old homes and cemeteries.

Always keeping an eye our for likely cemetery locations, Linda is our main field investigator. Most of Stafford’s family cemeteries are in out of the way places, most often in wooded areas and hard to find. Linda has a knack for finding these lost cemeteries. After years of looking for these cultural resources she has developed a “sixth sense” for knowing where they are located. 

Since I met Linda in 2004, she always seems to have one of her arms or legs in some sort of brace or cast! This does not slow her down in the least. Recently she had a knee replacement and was out tramping around in the woods with a crutch and a walking stick! Her stamina and resolve are amazing. Linda is a tireless worker and a great asset to the Cemetery Committee.