Linda (Lytch) Kizer

Linda Lytch Kizer, 82, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Linda was born on June 30, 1943, in Maxton. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and was known around the community for her gentle demeanor and kindness towards all she met. She was actively involved in the Fayetteville community throughout her life: participating in Junior League and Colonial Garden Club, leading Sunday school and Bible fellowship class at  Haymount United Methodist Church, serving as a visitation volunteer at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, and acting as a parent volunteer at the Fayetteville Academy and Terry Sanford High School. Additionally, she was a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she loved her country and dedicated herself to instilling patriotism in current and future generations of Americans.

Her love and knowledge of United States history were nothing short of remarkable. She could always be found with a book about our Founding Fathers or the Revolutionary War, and spent countless hours at estate sales, libraries, and museums to learn even more – and to add more history books to her collection, of course. Linda was particularly fascinated by the lives and political contributions of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, and would find a way to incorporate this fascination into everyday conversation. Every interaction was a chance for her to be patriotic and encourage others to do the same.

Nowhere was this patriotism more profound than in the D.A.R. Linda held various titles across the organization, including serving as the state level National Defense Chair. Her facilitation of the local American History Essay Contest was perhaps the activity she most enjoyed. Each year, she would travel to middle schools across Cumberland County, inviting students to submit papers about an important moment or figure in our nation’s history. One of Linda’s great joys was presenting the contest winners with their awards each year. Her excitement and pride were infectious.  

Linda loved her family fiercely and showed it in countless ways, including travelling with them. Whether it was driving up the West Coast Highway in California, taking in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, or touring the French Quarter in New Orleans, she was always ready for an adventure to bond with her loved ones and learn more about the world. Travel was just one of many ways she demonstrated love of her family, though. She was actively involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives and attended most every graduation, athletic game, awards program, school luncheon, and just about anything else you could imagine. Every event was a way to show just how profoundly she loved her family, a love that was palpable and will stay with them always. 

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, James Madison “Jim” Kizer. She is survived by her son James “Jimmy” Madison Kizer, Jr. and wife Marymelda; daughter, Mary Jac Kizer Kellam and husband John; sisters, Frances Stone and Jean Edwards, and brother Allen Lytch; and grandchildren, James Samuel “Sam” Kizer, Mary Madison Kizer Futrell and husband Wessley, Mary Katherine Kellam, Caroline Kellam, and Anna Grace Kellam.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 2:00 to 2:45pm in the Commons Room of Haymount United Methodist Church followed by funeral services at 3 pm. Burial will follow at Cross Creek Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28301.

Memorial donations may be made to Haymount United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

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