Mrs. Melvin Linda Smith

      In the heart of Lumberton, North Carolina, on November 18, 1952, a beacon of love and grace, Mrs. Melvin Linda Gerald-Smith, was born to the late Paul Avery Gerald and Gladys Watson Gerald. On December 10th, 2023, she peacefully entered eternal rest.

      Linda pursued her education in the public schools of Robeson County. Since an early age, she attended Pleasant View Baptist Church in St. Paul, North Carolina, becoming a dedicated member. Her strong bond with the church inspired her to express unwavering faith and devoted love to our Heavenly Father through singing and praising in the gospel choir known as "The Inspirationals Gospel Choir.”

     Fondly known as "Turtle," Linda embodied qualities that resonated deeply with those who knew her – a source of boundless love, infectious laughter, unwavering dedication, a gentle warrior, and a wellspring of compassion, with an unwavering faith that placed God at the forefront of every endeavor.

    In the tapestry of love, Linda and Marshall Smith spun a beautiful love story together cherishing 42 years of love with her husband, Marshall Smith.

    Her love for family was a radiant constant in her life. Linda adored spending cherished moments with her children – Dwight, Michael, Jamie and Crystal. The laughter and warmth of these family gatherings became the heartbeat of her existence.

    Linda's departure leaves a void, as she joins her parents, Paul Avery Gerald and Gladys Watson Gerald, husband Marshall Smith, and siblings – Harlton, Lee Avery, Olive, Rev. Josh, Wanner, and Earl Gerald. Yet, she leaves behind a legacy of love that time cannot erase.

   Linda's dearest memories are cherished, and her memory is embraced by her sister, Mary L. Gerald, along with her brothers Doug, Thurman, and Gregory Gerald, all residing in Lumberton, North Carolina. One sister in law, Minister Linda Gerald of Lumberton, North Carolina. 

     She leaves behind to cherish her fondest memories four children: Dwight Smith (Lisa) of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Michael Smith (Patricia) of Savannah, Georgia, Jamie Smith of Lumberton, North Carolina, and Crystal Smith-Floyd (Anthony Sr.) of Raeford, North Carolina. Her legacy further extends to five grandchildren – Ledonté Love of St. Paul’s, North Carolina, Takeisha Smith of St. Pauls, North Carolina, Brianna Smith of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Anthony Floyd Jr. (A.J.) of Raeford, North Carolina, Christian Floyd (C.J.) of Raeford, North Carolina and her great-grandson Michael Reed of Savannah, Georgia, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends to continues to be a cherished part of her loving legacy. A special thank you to her all her nieces. 

      As we honor Linda's life, let's reminisce about the joy, the memories, and the special moments that defined her presence. She leaves to us a legacy of enduring love, woven into the fabric of cherished memories—a testament to a life richly lived and profoundly loved.

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