Linda Leonard Cruz

Linda was born to William and Minnie Pearl Leonard on December 3, 1951, in Nash County, North Carolina. During her youth, she attended Nash County Schools until her family moved to Rota, Spain, where her father was stationed with the U.S. Navy. After years of living in Spain, she returned to Nash County to complete her senior year at Northern Nash High School and graduated with the Class of 1970.

Linda met her true-love, Manuel “Manny” Cruz, on the Puerto de Santa Maria gate on the U.S. Naval Base in Rota, Spain, where Manny was stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. They married two years later on July 26, 1970, in New York. During the next eight years, Linda and Manny welcomed three children: Willie, Joshua, and Stacie, who grew up in the Red Oak community and graduated from their mother’s high school alma mater, Northern Nash High School. Linda and Manny’s devotion to each other was evidence of a true love story.

In addition to being a dedicated wife and loving mother, Linda worked as a bookkeeper for the offices of Dr. Horne, Dr. Martinez and Dr. Macedo. She also worked with Social Services in Nash County and Buncombe County, where she retired while living in Asheville. Manny and Linda moved back to the area to be close to their children and grandchildren. Some of Linda’s favorite memories were made with the ones who called her “Mama” and “Nanna.” Her unconditional love for them was evident in all of her actions. Everyone who met Linda was blessed to feel God’s love through her joy and happiness. She held an unwavering faith in God and loved sharing His love and warmth with as many people as possible.

Linda joins her parents, William Bruce Leonard and Minnie Pearl Greene Leonard, in Heaven. She is survived by her husband, Manuel “Manny” Cruz; their children, Willie Cruz (Lori), Joshua Cruz (Amanda), and Stacie Guillet (Billy); their grandchildren, Colton Cruz, Olivia Cruz, Merritt Guillet, Landon Cruz, Ava Cruz, and Cruz Guillet; her sisters, Vickie Wheeler (Stan), and Deborah Heidelmeier (James); her sidekick and loving Boston Terrier, Lola.

A celebration of life for Linda Cruz will be held Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 US 70 Business Hwy W, Clayton, NC, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Linda's memory may be made to SECU Hospice House Smithfield, 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577.

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” Exodus 23:20