Linda Jean Barrett (Westbrook), 62, of Covington, succumbed to her final resting place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019 surrounded by her beloved family and friends. Linda Jean was born Feb. 15, 1957 in Holyoke, Massachusetts to the late Andrew Bell Westbrook and Minniett Westbrook. She was affectionately named “Queen” by her grandmother “Big Ma” because she was the first-born granddaughter.
During her childhood, Linda was an active member at Bethlehem Baptist Community Church. Having been reared in Holyoke, Linda Jean attended Holyoke Public School and graduated from Holyoke High School, Class of 1975. After graduation, she attended Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Along with being an extraordinary academic student, Linda was actively engaged as a member of her college community as she became a proud member of the Iota Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Upon successful completion of her undergraduate degree, Linda attended City College of New York, where she earned a Master’s of Education and subsequently obtained a second Master’s degree as a Licensed credentialed Special Education teaching professional. As an avid reader and intellectual educator, Linda taught in Harlem, New York for ten years enriching the lives of every student she came in contact with. After many years of hard work and dedication as a teaching professional and administrator, Linda achieved historical status as she became the first African American female Principal at Donahue Elementary School in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Pre-deceased by her father Andrew Bell Westbrook, a brother, Alfred Westbrook and her Goddaughter, Quiana L. Johnson. Linda is survived by her two adoring children, Donovan D. Barrett (KeShay) and Kaija R. Barrett and a grand-daughter Suheera of Georgia; her loving and supportive mother, Minniett Westbrook of Georgia; and her brothers Ronald Westbrook (Zelda) of Maryland, Larry Westbrook (Sabrina) of Arizona; her lifelong “Sister Friends” Toye Johnson Vincent, and Angela Sprowal of Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives; and many caring friends.
