Linda Nell Lanier Fear

Linda Nell Lanier Fear, 79, of New Bern, passed away on July 4th, 2026. She was born in Kinston, NC on October 22, 1946, to John Edward and Annie Lee Lanier.

Linda leaves behind her loving husband of 58 years Mark, her two sons Steve and John (Holly), her two grandchildren Will and Leigh, and also her sister Gail (Jeff) Williams.

Linda grew up in Duplin County, graduating from Wallace/Rose Hill High School in 1965. We can honestly say, those formative years stayed with her for her entire life. It did not matter where Linda and Mark traveled- she would find a familiar Duplin County friend. Without fail! We appreciate the strong bonds that Linda and all her friends maintained through the years.

Upon leaving Duplin County, Linda found her way to Wilmington College, which soon became UNCW, where she graduated in 1969. Linda was a member of the cheerleading team for the Seahawks and met Mark during her time there. The rest is history.

For those of you lucky enough to have crossed path with her knows that Linda never met a stranger. If you were a stranger, after 30 seconds you became a friend.

Two of the greatest lessons Linda passed on to everyone are-

1- Don’t be afraid to talk to someone. Talk to everyone! You never know what you may learn. Better yet, you never know what impact a simple conversation may have on others.

2- Regardless of how bad a situation may seem, always spin it and find the positive.

Two simple things, yet so important.

Thank you, Linda, for being the shining example of complete decency! We hope to match that quality every day.

Thank you for being so giving and nurturing to your grandchildren, Leigh and Will. The Nana imprint is evident on both of them every time we see them. Be proud you helped prepare them to be the great people they have become. We know you are proud of their past accomplishments and their future possibilities!

Thank you for being the Momma Bear, for all those soccer games and soccer weekends! We can say, without a doubt, each and every teammate you coached, cheered on, and encouraged over the seasons carry those fond memories to this day.

Thank you for being the loving partner to Dad through all the years. Watching the two of you was truly inspiring. You always seemed to be having so much fun together. You made it look so simple. Congratulations on that as well!

Thank you for always being the biggest fan to your sons! You always believed in us and encouraged us to pursue whatever it was we wanted. We will forever cherish all the lessons you taught us- even when we didn't always agree. By the way, you were right!

We are so glad that you have your words again, your precious memories again, your knowledge again, and your laughter again! Thank you for being smart, funny, loving, protective, and stubborn! Thank you for the charisma, your squeaky smile, your anxiousness, your love for everyone, your positivity, your energy, and the joy you brought into whatever room you walked into.

Plain and simple-

Thank you for being you! You will forever be the shining star!

Per Linda’s request, we will not have a memorial service or funeral service.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Linda Lanier Fear.