Linda Sue Poindexter

Linda Sue Poindexter, 79, of Traverse City, MI went to her heavenly home on December 20, 2023 after battling cancer. She was born on January 7, 1944 in Alma, MI to the late Lyle and Eva (Northrup) Bartrem. Linda graduated high school as valedictorian in Breckenridge, MI and went on to study medical technology at Michigan State University. She graduated with honors and married her high school sweetheart, the late David Poindexter. Her career began at Sparrow Hospital before moving to Traverse City in 1970 where she lived the rest of her life. She stopped working outside the home while her children were young and began work as a medical technologist for Thirlby Clinic when her youngest started school. She went on to run the lab during her 30 years there before retiring in 2003. Linda planned to join Doctors Without Borders in retirement, but the plan was put on hold when she became her mother’s caregiver. Instead, she turned her focus to shorter mission trips. She traveled to Cap-Haitien, Haiti 20+ times between 2003 and 2019 to enhance the quality of life for the community. On the ground, she helped to design, build & outfit a medical clinic in Pistere that still serves the community today. She also sat on the Soaring Unlimited Board of Directors for 20 years and as a fill-in missionary for the Executive Director. The love she developed for the people of Haiti was apparent to all who knew her. She also participated in international missions to Zambia, Bolivia and Mexico, and stateside with Henderson Settlement in Kentucky and tornado relief in Joplin, Missouri. Linda was also deeply involved locally through the GT Commons Redevelopment Commission, Habitat for Humanity, Safe Harbor, American Cancer Society, AAUW, TART Trails, TCFF and Cherry Festival. Additionally, she was an active member of Central United Methodist Church for 53 years where she served on various committees and boards including the UMW, missions, creation stewards, and others. Linda will be remembered as an ice cream loving, endless smiling, strong, caring, independent woman with a servant-heart who lived by the words “Be kind. Love God. Love people”. She had an adventurous spirit, traveling often. After her cancer diagnosis in 2022, she took two bucket-list trips: visiting the Redwoods with her son Eric; and England/Scotland with her daughter Tina and granddaughter Madison. Linda is survived by her son Eric (Amy) of West Olive; daughter Tina of Traverse City; son Kevin (Rebekah) of Traverse City; grandchildren: Hannah, Sarah, Noah, and Madison; great grandchildren Norah and Grace. She is also survived by her brother Rich (Deb) Bartrem; nieces Lisa (Ramses) Rodriguez, Leslee (Andrew) Lewis, and several grandnephews/niece. Cremation has taken place per her wishes. A celebration of life will be held at 11am on January 27th at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St, Traverse City with visitation an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Soaring Unlimited to carry on her passion for serving others. Finally, have an extra scoop of ice cream for her!

Linda Sue Poindexter

January 7, 1944 - December 20, 2023