Estelle Evans Link

On November 1, 2026, an hour before the stroke of midnight, our family’s beloved matriarch, First Lady of Freeman, Virginia, and of The Fighting Fireman, was called by God to take the most beautiful, peaceful drive of her life—to Heaven.

Estelle Link lived to the remarkable age of 96. What a blessing and an incredible gift to have had so many years to love her, learn from her, and make memories together. Many people lose their loved ones far too soon, and we will never take the time we had with her for granted.

There is so much that could be said about her that it would fill a book, but today we want to share just a few things that made her so special.

Above all else, she treasured her family. Having lost her mother at a very young age, she held her father, brothers, and sisters close to her heart and always spoke of them with love. She carried that same devotion into 58 years of marriage with her husband, the late W. Carlton Link. We witnessed her love for him through her unwavering support in everything they did together—from their radio station and dance hall to the farm they built together.

Our admiration for her work ethic runs deep. We watched her work as hard as any man in the tobacco field, then prepare an incredible lunch and dinner for everyone—all without a single complaint.

Her love for her children and grandchildren was immeasurable. She wanted the best for each of them, and her love was compassionate, forgiving, and unconditional.

We could probably count on one hand the times we ever saw her angry. We never heard her curse or raise her voice. She was graceful, humble, and hardworking. She appreciated every meal, every gift, and every kindness.

Estelle didn’t need to travel the world, dine at the fanciest restaurants, or wear the most expensive dresses. She already carried something in her soul that we believe was her secret to life: peace.

She was the closest thing to God’s light that we ever saw in a person.

Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, W. Carlton Link; three children, Wayne Link, Linda Link, and Melissa Boucher; and her son-in-law, Mike Boucher.

She is survived by her two sons, Marty Link and Tommy Link (Linda); her daughter-in-law, Terri Link; her grandchildren, Evan Link (Carrie), Ashley Link, Katie Link, Mandy Link, Chris Link (Christina), Jonathan Link (Ashley), and Jason Link (Anna); and her great-grandchildren, Kayla Marie Link Felts (Noah), Carrington Link, Austin Link, Jackson Link, Hudson Link, Colton Wheeler, and soon to be born, Everett Link.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday November 5th at 2:00 PM, in the old section of Oakwood Cemetery in Lawrenceville.

The family kindly requests no visitors at this time and asks that all cards, flowers, and condolences be directed to Williams Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Virginia.