A memorial for Linda Lillian Larson is set for October 10 at Woodside Bible Church in Lake Orion. Larson, known for her work in the community and her advocacy, died September 2 in Ortonville.
Linda Lillian Larson, who spent her life organizing and helping others, will be honored at a memorial service on October 10 at Woodside Bible Church in Lake Orion, Michigan. Larson died on September 2 in Ortonville. She was with family and close friends. Her work touched many Michigan communities. The City of Farmington and Farmington Hills often recognize local residents with council proclamations and community events. Still, there is no official city record or public notice about this memorial service in the latest council minutes or civic calendars, according to Farmington City Council records.
Larson made a mark well beyond her family and friends. She helped set up the first day care centers inside the Wayne County Office Building and the U.S. Federal Building in Detroit. She managed residential programs for the YWCA in Flint. She also worked as a UAW Employee Resource and Referral specialist for Americare at Buick City plants, supporting auto workers. In recent years, she served as Volunteer Coordinator and Community Organizer for Disability Advocates of Kent County. These roles show her lifelong drive to help others. However, a check of public records and official statements from Oakland County and the State of Michigan did not confirm these specific jobs or affiliations.
Education and early career
Linda was born September 22, 1959, to Joseph Harlan Larson and Anna Irene Fyhr. She grew up in Farmington Hills and finished North Farmington High School in 1977. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development in 1985 and a Master of Arts in Counseling in 2005, both from Oakland University in Rochester. Oakland University is a well-known school in Oakland County, but its public directories do not currently list Larson as an alumna or faculty member, according to the Oakland University directory.
Family and community involvement
In 1990, Larson married William (Bill) K. McAfee II. She became a stepmother to William K. McAfee III, Rebecca Allensworth, Kevin McAfee, and Kelly Collins. She is survived by her husband, 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a second great-grandchild expected on her birthday, September 22. Her family also includes sisters, nephews, a niece, and many cousins who were close to her.
Larson was active in church life. She helped start Community Hope Church of God in Flushing, serving on the Leadership Team, as a youth leader, and as part of the worship team. After moving to Ortonville, she joined Woodside Bible Church in Lake Orion. There, she became a deacon and led projects like food distribution with Forgotten Harvest and the church's Prayer Team. She also volunteered with INDYCAR Ministries at the INDY 500 for 12 years. No official statements or event listings from Woodside Bible Church or the City of Lake Orion confirm these activities.
Personal passions and legacy
Larson loved adventure. She traveled by motorcycle from Michigan's Copper Harbor to Florida and even Alaska. She enjoyed kayaking, camping, snowmobiling, and spending time at the family cottage on Lake Michigan. At home, she liked to garden and read. Her favorite Bible verse was John 9:3, which shaped how she lived and served others.
The memorial service for Linda Larson will take place at 11:00 a.m. on October 10 at Woodside Bible Church, 2500 Joslyn Rd., Lake Orion. A luncheon will follow. The family asks that, instead of flowers, donations be made to Samaritan's Purse, Tim Tebow Foundation, Safe House Project, or Woodside Bible Church's Lake Orion campus.
Larson's years of service, leadership, and kindness changed the lives of many people in Michigan. Her life shows how much one person's dedication to community and faith can matter. The groups she supported and the people she mentored will keep her spirit of service alive. For more information about local memorials or civic recognitions, Oakland County government has a public portal for community notices and records.
