Mrs. Linda Earlene Norman Wilkinson, 79, of Valdese, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at UNC-BR Morganton, following a period of declining health.
Linda was born on June 3, 1943, in Lincoln County to the late William Earl Norman and Isabell Sullivan Norman. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Valdese and retired after 30 years of teaching with Burke County Public Schools. She was heavily involved with her church over the years, enjoyed watching baseball, growing flowers and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Belton Beal, and seven siblings.
Survivors include her beloved husband of almost 60 years, Samuel Wilkinson of the home, two daughters, Kelly W. Tyson and husband Douglas of Drexel, and Linda Katherine “Kathy” Watts and husband James of Drexel. Also surviving are four grandchildren; Danielle Tyson, Samuel “Sammy” Tyson and fiancé Britney Parton, Nicholas Jaquins and wife Althea, and Rachel Branch, four siblings; Dale Norman, Jane Chronister, Carole Carter and husband James, Jeff Beal and wife Lou, and Beth Roseboro and husband Nelson, sister in-law, Mary Ellen Reid and brother-in-law, Ben Cozort.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church of Valdese with Rev. Jim King officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends on Friday, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese, and again briefly on Saturday, from 2:30-3:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church of Valdese in the parlor.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org, or to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, P.O. Box 758589, Topeka, KS 66675-8589.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Wilkinson family.
Kathy, please know you have my deepest sympathy at this sad time. Your mom was such a fighter and the way your family supported her and each other is so inspiring. Love and prayers to you and your family, my friend.
Sam, so sorry to learn of Linda’s passing. I will be thinking of you and your family in the days ahead during this sad time of life.
Oh SAM!!!! Bill & I were so VERY sorry for your loss. Linda was a lovely person and everyone will miss her so much.
Sam Mike and I (Pennell) have you in our prayers and will continue to send love and prayers for the family during this difficult time and after. Mike thought a lot of you and your wife
Kathy,
So sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. My heart goes out to you and your family. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sam and family, I was so very sorry to learn of Linda’s passing. She fought a good fight and now she’s resting in the newness of life with the Lord. No more pain, sorrow or hardship. I offer you all my deepest condolences and.
Mr. Wilkinson, I was a student of yours. My heart is with you and your family. Sending you many prayers.
So sorry for your loss Same you and Linda were the perfect example of how a marriage last for all getting marry. May the lord give you peace and hold linda in his arms where there is no pain or hate .