Linda Sessler Obituary

SESSLER, Linda Rowland

Linda Rowland Sessler, age 71, a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend, died from ovarian cancer on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Born September 12, 1953 at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, where her father was stationed, Linda grew up in North Decatur, attending Druid Hills and Shamrock High Schools. After graduating from University of Georgia with a B.A. in Psychology, she worked for many years as a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines, meeting many life-long friends and developing a love of travel. Linda enrolled at Georgia State University College of Law to pursue her dream of becoming an attorney while continuing to work at Delta. Upon obtaining her law degree, she began her new career at Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy. She later worked as a Vice President and In-House Counsel for commercial real estate lending and investments for ING (now Voya).

After Linda met and married Stephen Sessler, she paused her career and found her true passion and most rewarding role as a full-time mother to her daughter, Alex and son, Hunt. As her children grew older, Linda continued her legal career in commercial real estate with the Anthony Law Group.

Linda was active in community and civic affairs. She served for 15 years on the Board of Zoning Adjustment for the City of Atlanta, including terms as Vice Chair and Chair. Prior to this service, she served seven years on the Zoning Review Board for the City of Atlanta, including terms as Vice Chair and Chair. Linda also served on the NPU-A Board, and was an active volunteer for Woodward Academy, Atlanta Speech School, and Paces Civic Association.

Through her husband, Steve, Linda discovered a passion for art, as together they collected historical American art and alongside Steve, she was actively involved in the Atlanta Art Forum.

Faith, family and friends were the focus of Linda's life. A woman of devout faith, she was a long-time active member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, where she was involved in WCBS. She was happiest spending time with her family whether during the holidays, taking beach vacations with extended family, or taking and planning travel excursions with friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles E. Rowland, Jr., and June Johnson Rowland. She is survived by husband, Stephen Sessler; daughter, Alexandra (Nick) McElroy; son, Huntington Sessler; granddaughter, Gwendelan Sessler; grandson, Jude McElroy, all of Atlanta; brother, Mike (Amy) Rowland of Savannah; brother, Rick Rowland of Woodstock; brother, David (Michele) Rowland of Atlanta; and several nephews; and a niece. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Peachtree Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on November 13, 2024, at 2:30 PM in Kellett Chapel at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 3:45 PM to 5:30 PM with location details announced later.