Linda Solomon Bamford

Linda was born in Asheville, North Carolina on October 5, 1943, to Hubert and Ruby Pauline (Polly) Solomon. As the daughter of an Army serviceman, she lived in many states as well as Panama during her childhood. Many of her happiest memories were made while visiting family in Charlotte and the Asheville area of North Carolina.

Linda graduated high school from St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines in Asheville, North Carolina. As the first member of her family to go to college, she earned a B.A. degree in Speech and Drama from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. She then studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received her M.A. degree in Dramatic Art and met her future husband, Paul.

Linda and Paul were happily married for 49 years. They shared their lives in Raleigh, NC where they raised their beloved daughter, Michelle. Linda lived life fully: playing bridge with friends; going to the theatre, dance performances, and concerts; keeping up with local to international politics; spending time with family; and traveling to her favorite destinations. New York City, Spain, Italy, and Costa Rica were places she particularly treasured exploring. In addition, Cruising to Alaska, the Caribbean, and on European rivers delighted her.

Linda began her extensive career as a teacher of speech and English at Loretto Academy in El Paso, Texas. When she finished graduate school, she taught speech and drama at Meredith College, where she had the opportunity to expand their theatre program. When her daughter, Michelle, was born, she began what became a passionate commitment to the Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT). Once she became Managing Director, her innovation and leadership skills brought many new opportunities for people of all ages to become involved in theatre. After many years at the helm of RLT, Linda looked for new challenges. Her next adventures were as the Director of Arts Education at the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, as an Arts Education Consultant for Asheville, NC and Atlanta, Georgia, and as the Director of Arts Education at the North Carolina Arts Council. At the Arts Councils and as a consultant, it was her mission to bring artists and educators together to provide access to the arts for all children.

After retiring, Linda treasured the volunteer work she did. Through her church, she was very active in social outreach. She was particularly proud of her work with Wilburn Elementary School, where, among many other things, she tutored children through the Read and Feed program. Linda was also passionate about supporting and empowering women. This was so evident in her volunteer work for Dress for Success Triangle NC. She utilized her vast career experience as she mentored and coached women seeking career support through the Going Places Network.

Most importantly Linda treasured her relationships with her family and friends. Unique, fun, and exciting adventures, filled with laughter and interesting experiences, awaited all who adored Linda.

In addition to her daughter, Michelle, Linda is survived by her aunt, Celia Nail, her cousins: Jim Courtney, Susan Tucker (children Kevin, Traci, and granddaughter Courtnie), William Nail (Ann), and stepmother, Ann Solomon. She is fondly remembered by her family through marriage: Paul’s sister, Betsy Ayres of Cannon Beach, Oregon, Paul’s siblings, Barbara Holden, Laura Thomas, and Roger Bamford (Adrienne), of California and many nieces and nephews.

A public graveside service was held Saturday, October 21, 2023, in the cemetery of Calvary Episcopal Church, 2840 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC 28732. A celebration of life will be held on January 13, 2024, at 3:00pm in the Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre at Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh, NC 27607.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Raleigh Little Theatre, or to Dress for Success Triangle NC, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” (Elphaba and Glinda, Wicked)

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