Lyndalu Watson Staton

Bristol, VA

Lyndalu Watson Staton, age 72, passed away peacefully October 11, 2024, at Bristol Regional Medical Center.  She was born February 10, 1952, in Meadowview, Virginia to Reelia and Sue Watson.  She married her longtime friend and love, Dennis Paul Staton, in June of 1974.

Lyndalu was a native of Emory, Virginia and had made her home in Bristol in 1974.  Growing up in Washington County, she graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1970.  Lyndalu attended Virginia Tech and Emory & Henry College.  While attending Emory and Henry in 1973, she was honored as the Phi Pi Alpha Fraternity Sweetheart.  In 1974 Lynda graduated Emory & Henry College with a Bachelor’s in Health and Physical Education, she later obtained additional endorsements in Elementary Education from East Tennessee State University from 1977-1986, and a Master’s of Education degree in Elementary Counseling from the University of Virginia in 1990. 

Coming from a family of educators, her upbringing taught her to value children and to work for the betterment of our society by helping all children to grow and learn.  Lyndalu’s experience as an educator was outstandingly varied.  Throughout her career she taught Physical Education, Elementary Education and was an Elementary Guidance Counselor. Lyndalu received Bristol’s Rotary Teacher of The Year award in 2001.  She retired from Virginia Middle School in 2013.

Beyond her professional life, Lyndalu had been a role model in the community by being involved in a vast assortment of community activities.  Lyndalu attended Victory Baptist Church.  She always displayed a strong dedication to her school and community endeavors.  She arranged school fieldtrips, school plays and talent shows, sponsored the Beta Club and arranged faculty parties.  She has taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, worked for the March of Dimes, was involved in a wide variety of professional educational committees, and participated in many other community activities such as the American Heart Association, Relay for Life, and local Cancer Support Groups.  Lyndalu volunteered as a coach for many community sport activities. 

Lyndalu was a dedicated mother first and foremost.  She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them.  She especially loved her role as Grandma.  One of her finest accomplishments was her dedication to raising three outstanding children.  She reflected strong family values in each of her children that she wish to see in all young people that she met.

Lyndalu was preceded in death by her mother, Mattie Sue Ryan Watson, and Father, Reelia Watson. 

Lyndalu is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dennis Paul Staton, of Bristol; three children Heather (Kevin) Hill of Bristol, VA, Suzanne (John) VanDerveer of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Travis (Ryiah) Staton of Abingdon, VA; seven grandchildren, Noah Hill, Piper Hill, Parley Staton, Kellen Staton, Adler Staton, Ayla Staton, and Danica VanDerveer;  three siblings Amy Whistler of Bristol, Virginia, JoBeth Pless and Reelia Watson of Emory, Virginia.

We find comfort in knowing that Lyndalu’s legacy lives on through the lessons she taught us, the love she shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. 

Arrangements have been made with Frost Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Holston Conference - Emory and Henry Cemetery with Pastor Austin Cook officiating. Friends and family may sign the register book from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Tuesday morning at the Funeral Home.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Lyndalu Watson Staton.