Rev. Linda Louise Shafer
Rev. Linda Louise Shafer, 63, of Silver Spring, died June 27, 2017, after a long illness. A memorial service was held at the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church July 16.
Linda Shafer was born July 24, 1953, to Lindsay and Louise Shafer of Westminster. After graduating from Westminster High School in 1971, she attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. She received a Master of Divinity in 1979 from Union Theological Seminary in New York and, a Ph.D. in Sociology in 1994 from American University in Washington, D.C.
From 1979 to 1989, she served churches in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. These included Andrew Chapel in Baltimore, 1979-81; the Union Bridge Charge for one year; First UMC in Hyattsville, 1983-84; then the Morgan Charge in Mt. Airy from 1985-87. From 1989 to 2011, Shafer was engaged in research project leadership, review, and analysis in the fields of education, health, and human services, most recently with the American Institutes for Research. She went on Honorable Location in 1995.
Shafer had a strong calling to serve others, but her greatest joy and commitment was to her son, Arkee. She was also a generous, loyal, and supportive friend. Her favorite pastimes included cake decorating, knitting, reading and singing in her church choir.
Survivors include her son, Arkee Shafer, brothers Larry Shafer of Westminster and Lee Shafer of Big Piney, Wyo., and their wives; and eight nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, 310 Tulip Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912.