Linda Ann Smith

Linda A. (Sutton) Smith, age 63, of Concord, NC, died April 17, 2019, at home surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Linda was born September 28, 1955, in Broward County, FL, and was raised in Baden, PA, to Helen (Marchwinski) Sutton and the late Raymond P. Sutton of Baden, PA.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond, nephew, Ryean Sutton, sister-in-law, Lisa Smith, brothers-in-law, Roger Smith, Mitchell Smith, Tommy Smith and mother-in-law, Betty Sheldon.

Linda graduated Summa Cum Laude (a GPA of over 4.0) with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from UNC Charlotte all while raising three children as a single mother. She knew the importance of what an education meant for her and for the betterment of her family.

Linda turned her education and love for computer programming into a career in database architecture, working with leading companies such as Bell South, Charles Schwab and Ahold Delhaize (Food Lion). However, she always made time for her children; coaching her children’s cheerleading squads, softball and basketball teams and doting as a backstage dance mom.

After her diagnosis, Linda turned her passions towards her hobbies. She loved gardening and growing her own fruits and vegetables. Her family always knew that she would have a fresh bowl of blueberries and vegetables around the house to snack on. She also loved painting and crocheting for her family.
She found many of her greatest joys while spending the last 24 years with her husband, Eddie, and dearly loved him with all of her heart. He will never forget her warm hugs and tender kisses and will miss her until his last breath, when they will be together again.

Linda loved being a grandmother. Whether it was going to birthday parties (baking designer cakes for every grandchild’s party she attended), games, dance recitals, the beach or family reunions at “Camp Sutton” in Pennsylvania, Linda doted on her seven grandchildren. She loved being with them and receiving their unconditional love, hugs and kisses. They, in turn, will never forget their grandma.

Linda will be lovingly remembered for her strength, her love of family and her unyielding faith. Her courage and determination, but most of all her fighting spirit, won her the admiration of many and inspired all who met her. All those who had the privilege of knowing Linda and having her in their life, will miss her dearly.

Left to cherish her memory in addition to her mother, Helen, are her loving husband, James “Eddie” Smith Jr.; daughters, Barbara Shaw and husband, Jason of Harrisburg, NC, and Ann Masten and husband, Todd of Denver, CO; son Charles “Ray” Goodwin and wife, Amy of New Bern, NC; stepsons, Travis Smith and wife, Katie of Mooresville, NC, Ryan Smith of China Grove, NC and Gil Smith of Kannapolis, NC; grandchildren, Jarrett, Victoria, Madelyn, Reagan, Isabella, Jackson and Lincoln; sister, Annette Palichat and husband, Greg of Indialantic, FL; brothers, Rick Sutton and wife, Betty “Teeter” of Baden, PA; David Sutton and wife, Laurie of Baden, PA, Tom Sutton and wife, Melissa of Spencerville, OH and Ed Sutton and wife, Michelle of Freedom, PA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends.

Visitation begins at 6 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2019, at the Wilkinson Funeral Home, and a service in celebration of her life will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2019, with the honorable Father Jerome Chavarria CSsR officiating. Interment will follow immediately at St. James Catholic Cemetery.