Linda Sue Mattocks

Linda Sue Mattocks (known as “Sugar” by her grandchildren and all of the neighborhood kids) entered eternal life on Tuesday, October 26th, 2021. She was born on August 16th, 1952 in Brooksville, FL, the daughter of Dorothy Smith and the late Roger Hill. Those who knew Linda were touched by her kindness, enduring love, beauty, colossal heart and fun spirit. But these are just a few of the ways to describe a remarkable wife, mother, volunteer and mental health advocate.

Linda shared 29 years of marriage with her late husband and best friend Don Mattocks. She enjoyed working with non-profit organizations supporting mental health awareness, being a travel agent, operating “Camp Sugar Bear” for her grandchildren and neighboring kids and organizing some of the best parties this side of the Mississippi River. She loved all things Christmas and this was her favorite time of the year. She loved to decorate every inch of space in her house. The joy of seeing children’s faces light up with excitement was the motivation behind her efforts. She truly loved giving of herself to others and Christmas was the perfect time for her to shower everyone she knew with joy and love.

Linda played a huge role in the development of the Mental Health Duck mascot. Under her leadership the phrase “Don’t Duck Mental Health” was transformed into a patented stuffed animal and a life-like costume for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. After Don’s passing, she enjoyed creating new friendships through a local widows group and being a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in New Bern, NC.

Only a select few come to “Live Out Loud” but it only takes one to truly know what that means. If only one word could be chosen to describe Linda Sue Mattocks, then let it be grace.

Her spirit is carried on by her mother Dorothy Smith, by her two children Candice Simmons and Don Mattocks, and six grandchildren Lauren Simmons, Robert Simmons, Findley Mattocks, Claudia Mattocks, Heath Mattocks and Ruthie Mattocks, and by her sister Beverly Smith and an extended family of relatives and friends too many to list from every walk of life.

A memorial service will be hosted on November 8th at 2pm at Christ Church, 320 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560. Shortly following the memorial service, the family will host a Celebration of Life gathering at Morgan’s Tavern and Grill, 235 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carolina East Foundation.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Linda Sue Mattocks.