Linda Thompson Smart

Linda was born on January 9, 1947, to the late Ernest and Ethel McCall Thompson. Linda graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1965 and spent her career with Southern Bell/Bell South where she was viewed as being a dependable, loving, and caring team member. Linda was kind and compassionate with a beautiful smile. She loved God, family, and friends in that order. Being the oldest, Linda felt it necessary to take charge of seeing that her siblings were taken care of. Her younger brother Ron was special to her from childhood. When she started school Ron would wait for her at the bus stop singing, "My Wonderful Lord." She also cared for younger sisters Kay and Shirley. When she went to work, she spent her first paycheck buying Christmas gifts for the family. She gave Kay and Shirley lockets which they cherish to this day.

Linda later fell in love with her brother Ron's best friend, Sammy Neil Smart. They were married on May 20,1972, and have enjoyed 49 years of marriage. The loving couple were blessed with a son Michael in 1980. Michael grew the family when he married Lauren. Grandchild Anna Mae was born and quickly became "the apple of their eye."

Linda loved to have family gatherings at her house where she was surrounded by her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephew. We all loved Linda's famous cakes.

In 2004, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer and later other illnesses followed that created health issues for her. Throughout these years, Linda fought to conquer these illnesses. Linda fought hard and would never give up. Each day her faith in God strengthened and she was a model and witness to all who came in contact with her. Her faith never wavered. God carried her through all her trials. This past Sunday, He opened the doors of heaven saying, "Welcome home my good and faithful servant."

Isaiah 43: 2-3

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you:

And through the rivers They Shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy one of Israel your Savior.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 9:00 until 10:30 am, with a memorial service to immediately follow at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Donations can be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8947 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28227 of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 28105.