Linda Ann (Taxis) Hemphill

Linda Ann Taxis Hemphill passed away on July 31, 2022 following a brief battle with cancer at her residence in Alexandria, Virginia with her family by her side.  She was 77 years old.

The daughter of the late Rev. Dr. John O. and Doris Chew Taxis, she was born on January 16, 1945 in Richmond, Virginia. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother, David Lloyd Taxis. She is survived by her loving daughter, Lindsay R. Hemphill (Alexandria, Virginia), and her sister Barbara T. (Steve) Yatrousis (Fort Lauderdale, Florida). 

Linda was raised in Northville, Michigan and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A 1962 graduate of Fort Lauderdale High School, Linda went on to earn a B. A. degree in International Service from The American University, Washington, D.C. in 1966. For over thirty one years, she was Editor and Director of Publications for the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the American Association for Dental Research (AADR).  Linda managed every aspect of proofing, editing and production of journals, reviews, meeting programs, membership directories, press kits, convention registration and organization and countless other related responsibilities.  When she retired in 2009, she founded Hemphill Editing, LLC and continued freelance editing.

Working for the IADR/AADR also took her to many countries.  She traveled to Ireland, England, Australia and Japan, just to name a few.  Linda’s service to her God and church included serving in the ministries of music at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Bethesda, Maryland; Church of the Epiphany Episcopal, Washington D.C.; Sherwood Presbyterian Church, Washington D.C.; Church of the Covenant, Arlington; Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, Alexandria; and – for the last 24 years – serving as Director of Music/Organist at Bethany Lutheran Church, Alexandria. Linda was a charter member of the Alexandria Singers.

Linda was devoted to service through music in the church and to her daughter, Lindsay. She especially loved working with the children of the church and teaching them the joys of singing and ringing hand bells.  Her influence will be missed greatly by all those who knew her and worked with her both throughout her service in publications and editing, as well as the hundreds of individuals touched by her musicianship. 

A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church,  2501 Beacon Hill Road, Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday, August 20th at 2:00 p.m. Private interment was held at Mount Comfort Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Music Program of Bethany Lutheran Church or to Senior Services of Alexandria.