WILMINGTON — Linda L. Brown, 76, passed away Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center surrounded by the love of her children and family.
Linda was born in Warrenton, Virginia, daughter of the late Samuel N. Lightner and Bernice T. Lightner (Bee Bee). She was raised in the pastoral town of Haymarket, Virginia; graduated from Osbourn High School in Manassas, Virginia; and received a B.S. in Education from Concord University, Athens, West Virginia.
After graduation, Linda served as a public school educator, teaching elementary school for three years in Prince William County, Virginia, and later as a substitute middle school teacher in Unionville, Pennsylvania. During her early teaching years, Linda met a young DuPont engineer named Jerome Brown, with whom she would go on to enjoy 47 years of marriage together.
Linda liked to travel and meet new friends, something she became quite good at during their DuPont assignments in Delaware, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico, before eventually retiring to North Carolina. But throughout her travels, Linda maintained her Northern Virginia roots, as she was a lifelong Washington Redskins fan. Through her marriage to Jerry, and later with two sons and a daughter-in-law, Linda would earn “honorary graduate status” for Clemson University as she was known for her many Clemson orange flags, Tiger paw outfits, and her “Clemson Dip” at Tiger tailgates.
Linda generously volunteered her time and skills to helping others. She was very active with the Literacy Council, the Assistance League (A.L.) of Greater Wilmington, the Stamp Defiance of Wilmington (Daughters of the American Revolution), and several book clubs. Additionally, she was a member of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church and truly appreciated their prayers and hospital visits.
Linda liked to play golf and was a lifelong participant. Her crowning golf achievement was being the first woman golfer to score a hole-in-one at the El Conquistador Resort #9 hole.
Linda is survived by her two sons, Keith (Daphne) and Kirk (Caroline); her beloved grandchildren, Tommy, Mollie and Quin; brother, Major General U.S. Army (retired) Thomas Lightner (Carol); and her loving nieces, Susan Paulson (David), Jane Alvey (Ed Neach) and Carolyn Piercy (Mickey). She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; as well as her sisters, Katherine Piercy and Sara Jane Alvey.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 1, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 2, at St. Andrew’s-Covenant Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Assistance League of Greater Wilmington, 420 Eastwood Road, #107, Wilmington, NC 28403; or St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1416 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
