Linda Louise McSparin, 76, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, following a long illness.
She is survived by her daughters, Valerie McSparin and Erin McSparin Jacobs; her brother and sister-in-law, Lane and Diana Johnson; her son-in-law, Ben Jacobs; and her five beloved grandchildren: Jacob, Maggie, and Liam Asbury, and Bear and Evelyn Jacobs.
Linda dedicated 27 years to West Virginia Public Radio, beginning her career as a secretary and later serving as Associate Producer of Mountain Stage until her retirement in 2011. Her work connected her with artists, colleagues, and listeners across the country and reflected her deep love of music and storytelling. In retirement, she embraced travel, explored the world, and treasured time spent with friends and family.
Cooke Funeral Home in Nitro, West Virginia, is assisting the family in honoring her final wishes. Linda asked that her passing not be met with sadness, but with gratitude and celebration for the life she lived. In that spirit, a Celebration of Life will be held in lieu of a traditional funeral service. Details will be shared with family and friends in the coming weeks.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Linda’s memory to a charity of your choice supporting advocacy for women’s and children’s rights.
