Linda R. Smith, age 77, of Nags Head, NC passed away on May 25, 2023, at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA.
Linda was born August 18, 1945, in Henderson, NC to Paul Reginald & Virginia Madeline Kerley. The family moved to Virginia and she and her 4 siblings were raised in Portsmouth, where she attended Churchland High School. It was there she met Paul, who would become her husband of 62 years. Together Linda and Paul raised two daughters in Portsmouth, then the Western Branch section of Chesapeake. Linda started her career as a retail clerk at JC Penney at Mid-City Shopping Center and worked her way up to the administrative offices before retiring after over 20 years of service.
After retirement, they moved to the Outer Banks and built a home in Kitty Hawk. Linda continued working, mainly in accounting, at OBX businesses R.A. Hoy, BD & A, and Treated Lumber before returning to her retail roots when TJ Maxx opened in Nags Head. If you shopped there, you most likely met her or shared a quick smile or chat. She loved working there and seeing everyone come in to shop!
Linda was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Tom Kerley (Wanda) of Houston, TX, her sister Betty Jean Futrell (Bobby) of Portsmouth, VA, and her granddaughter Madeline Elizabeth Hall. Surviving are her brother P.R. Kerley (Jean) of Chesapeake, VA, her sister Joan Cahoon (Blair) of Providence Forge, VA; two daughters, Debbie Callis of Nags Head, NC and Paula Hall (Matt) of Flemington, NJ; grandchildren Paul Copeland of Colorado Springs, CO, Frankie and Ella Hall of Flemington, NJ; great-grandchildren Katie and Charlie Copeland of Fayetteville, NC and numerous family and friends.
It was just over a month to the day when Linda passed away from when her husband Paul passed. Debbie and Paula are convinced that she was heartbroken, which led to her rapid decline in health. “Love your family. Spend time, be kind, and serve one another. Make no room for regrets. Tomorrow is not promised & today is short.”
In keeping with her wishes, Linda will be cremated and there will not be a service at this time. The family will hold a private celebration of life for both Linda and Paul at a later date.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.