Linda Roberts has been making a positive difference in the lives of local seniors as an active volunteer with the Tallahassee Senior Center for two decades. Born and raised in Cairo, GA, Linda was one of four children and the only daughter of a farming family who raised tobacco, vegetables, and sold pecans. As a child she spent a lot of time playing outdoors, taking dance lessons, acting in school plays, and helping on the farm. Linda’s parents taught her from an early age the importance of serving the community.
Linda met her husband, Jack, at the University of Georgia. After their marriage, the couple relocated to Tallahassee where they raised two sons, Jack Jr. and Jesse. In addition to their sons, the family now includes two “wonderful daughters-in-law”, four grandchildren, and a great grandchild on the way.
Linda entered the field of insurance as a customer service representative with Prudential and eventually became an agent. She flourished in her 38-year career with the company and got great job satisfaction in “helping people to make positive differences in their lives.”
Shortly after retiring, Linda was driving past the Tallahassee Senior Center and decided “on a whim” to check it out. She was so impressed by the mission and variety of programs that she was immediately “hooked.” She left with a participant card and membership to the foundation and signed up as a volunteer that day. The Senior Center has been benefiting from Linda’s optimistic outlook and tireless promotion of its programs and activities ever since.
Over the years, Linda has held numerous volunteer positions at the Senior Center. She has been the Chair of the Deck the Halls annual fundraiser and a member of the Leon County Senior Outreach Advisory Council. She is the former president and a current member of the Tallahassee Senior Foundation Board as well as a proud TALL Class 2 graduate. Linda is an excellent and enthusiastic fundraiser and loves to promote the Senior Center and its programs whenever she can. Lifelong Learning and Fitness are her favorite programs offered by TSC. Lifelong Learning has enhanced her knowledge about music, art, nature, and travel. She especially enjoyed learning to kayak. Fitness classes have helped her to stay healthy and active as she ages.
The Senior Center holds a special place in Linda’s heart, but she also makes time to serve other organizations in the community. As a member of Unity Church of Tallahassee, Linda serves on the board and has been board president. She cooks for the church garden team and has helped prepare food for the Kearney Center. She also serves on the board of MetaVisions. This non-profit directly serves families and children in the Big Bend community.
In her spare time, Linda also collects items no longer needed from family and friends and drops them off at various charities around town. She stays physically active by hiking, walking, working out, and traveling. For her next adventure she plans to travel to Italy. She relaxes by reading and spending time with family and friends. Her friend group known as “The Sassies” have been together for over 25 years and have helped each other through good and bad times.
Throughout her many years of serving the community, Linda has learned that “even the smallest gesture can make a big difference.” Linda’s advice to others who want to make a difference is to “find an organization that you love to volunteer for, become active in your own way, and enjoy doing it.” She believes that having a positive attitude makes all the difference for successful aging. She says to “think positively even in difficult circumstances and dress your best on your worst days.”
