Linda Joyce Smart Ethridge, 75, of Valdese, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025 at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge following a period of declining health.

Linda was born January 2, 1950 in Burke County to the late Rev. John Smart and Ethel Powell Smart, the youngest of eight children.  She was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church and retired from Broughton Hospital. Linda enjoyed spending time with family and was an excellent story teller, who loved sharing her history with her seven older siblings and other family members. She loved to watch mysteries and Korean dramas on Netflix, and her motto at mealtime was, “Dessert First!!”

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Jim Smart and Richard Smart; sister, Mary Sue Cook; daughter, Christie Ethridge Holland; and son, Johnny “Bo” Ethridge Jr.

She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Johnny Ethridge Sr. of the home; children, Cindy Justice (David) of Drexel, and Joshua Ethridge of South Carolina; and eight grandchildren, Tiffany Wilson (Jeff), Tony Holland, Trey Justice (Whitney), Charity Holland (TC), Linzi Justice, Jonathan Ethridge, Amber Frazier, and Hannah Ethridge; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild and one on the way. Also surviving are her siblings, Bill Smart of Icard, Doris Suttles of Morganton, Nancy Mitcham of Granite Falls, and Patsy Woods and husband Wayne of Morganton.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Pastor David Cassida officiating. Interment will follow at Solid Rock Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Thursday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Service.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.