Linda Carol (West) Byrd

Linda Carol West Byrd died at the age of 78 on February 14, 2022.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert G. Byrd, Sr.; her father and mother, John Fulton and Mary Cox West; her stepmother, Minnie West; her brother, Edwin West and wife Doris; her brother, Robert (Bobbie) West and wife Emily; her sister, Virginia West Willis and husband Lloyd; her sister-in-law, Lucille West; her sister-in-law, Juanita Byrd Dove and husband Melvin; and her infant grandson, Joshua Gentry Borton.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Byrd Bigger and husband John; son, Robert G. Byrd II and wife Tonia; two granddaughters, Meredith and Caroline Borton; a grandson, Benjamin Byrd; a brother, Fulton West; and a brother, Ted West and wife Sarah. Linda is also survived by many well-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Linda was born on December 13, 1943, in Hope Mills, North Carolina. Linda was the youngest sibling in a large family. When Linda was very young, she lost her mother to cancer. Linda’s father worked in the mills of North Carolina, and his work took him to Greensboro. Linda would spend her teenage years caring for and being cared for by an aunt, Ethel Cox. Linda was an outgoing teen, excellent student, and a cheerleader for Hope Mills School. Following graduation, she studied cosmetology, but it was in marrying a young man from Hope Mills that she found her true calling in life.

Linda Carol West married Robert Gentry Byrd on February 9, 1963. She decided that she wished to be a full-time homemaker after the birth of her children, and Robert supported her in this decision. Linda dedicated the rest of her life assisting and supporting her husband in his career, but she would give most of her energies caring for and raising up Jennifer and Robbie in a Christian home.

Linda was always involved with activities at the schools her children attended, serving through parent groups and volunteer opportunities. She also gave of herself through civic service, such as with the Hope Mills Lady Lions Club. Linda was very active in the church of her youth, Highland Baptist in Hope Mills. Her love for her family was only second to the love she had for her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Linda and Robert, who passed away just 6 months ago, grew even more inseparable after Jennifer and Robbie grew up and left the home to start their own lives. Linda and Robert travelled extensively together and were proud and loving grandparents, taking part in much of their grandchildren’s lives. Linda and Robert both served at their church, Lafayette Baptist, becoming long time fixtures in so many roles, none greater than that of their role in the LBC Welcome Center.

After Robert’s death on July 31, 2021, Linda struggled with grief. Her faith in her Lord was strong, but she missed her husband terribly. Linda received the diagnosis of a very aggressive cancer with grace and faith. After her diagnosis, it would be only days before the Lord called her to be with him fully, and to be reunited with her loving husband, Robert.

A memorial service will be held at Lafayette Baptist Church, on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 11:00am. The Rev. Dr. Kevin Moore will preside. The church will honor social distancing and masking to protect the health-vulnerable and immuno-compromised. The family will receive friends following the service on the front lawn of the church. A private burial will follow for family members at Lafayette Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to Lafayette Baptist Church, 501 Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304, or the Fayetteville Family Life Center, 114 Highland Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28305.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

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