Linda Bitting was born on September 19, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late James J. and Mildred Berry. Linda was the middle child of 5 girls. Linda earned her place in heaven November 12, 2022, after a brief illness. She had just turned 70 years old in September where she celebrated life and all it had to offer. Her spirit will continue to live on through her daughter and grandson.
Raised in a Baptist household, Linda accepted Christ at an early age. She grew up with her mother playing the piano and making them attend church and Sunday school on a regular basis.
Linda attended John Hay High School from 1967-1971 with 3 of her other sisters. They were known as the “Berry Girls” around the halls. Linda graduated in 1971. Her desire was to work in the criminal justice field.
Linda enjoyed her quiet time and space, but she would take the time out to spend with her loved ones for special occasions. Her favorite colors were blue and yellow, and you could always find her wearing a scarf on her head. This became her signature look. Linda always wanted children, and before she had her own, spent time caring for her nieces and nephews. In the early 1980’s Linda met Louis Bitting, a retired Air Force veteran. They were married for 15 years. After being told that she would not have children, she was blessed to give birth to her precious daughter, Lutisha, who she gave her the same middle name as hers.
Linda was 5’1, 90 lbs. soaking wet, but she had the tenacity (mental and emotional strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship) of a giant. She was always a fighter, determined to live life as she wanted, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Linda joked and gave everyone she knew a nickname. She liked to tell all her nieces, “you know you are my favorite”. Linda enjoyed bowling, playing cards, laughing, looking at television, and feeding stray cats. She spoke to her sisters daily. If you stayed around her long you would hear her calling her daughter, “The Ta-momma-na”; her grandson, “Ace”, and saying she got the “booty in the pantisee”. No matter what she was going through, she took the time out to write you a handwritten note for your birthday, which we will miss and cherish for a lifetime.
Linda is survived by her only child, Lutisha Bitting; grandson, Jayce Yates; 3 sisters: Recenia Graham (Harold), Joyce Ann Washington (Harold, deceased), and Rose Renee Harrison (Raymond, deceased). She was preceded in death by her youngest sister, Annette Berry. Linda had developed a special relationship with her niece, Tamara Jones (Anthony) and friends Agnes (Peaches) Crosby and Charles Spencer. She leaves fond memories with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.