Linda Maurine Stanley

Born on June 18, 1949, in Champaign, Illinois, Linda was the first child of Forrest (Allen) Sr.

and Juanita Dowdy. From an early age, she embraced her role as a caregiver—becoming an older sibling at just one year old—and she carried that nurturing spirit throughout her entire life.

As part of an Air Force family, Linda moved frequently during her childhood, which sparked a lifelong love of travel and adaptability. At the age of five, she made a personal decision to serve Jehovah God and live according to His Word—a commitment that she made public on July 16, 1960 at her baptism.

After high school, Linda entered the full-time ministry, where she met her husband, James “Tom” Stanley, who shared her devotion. They married in 1970 and spent five years serving together where the need was greater before starting their family. Linda never lost her deep love for the ministry. She devoted her life to teaching others, supporting her congregation, and caring for her spiritual family. She was truly the embodiment of hospitality, always opening her home and heart to others. Her granddaughter said her home is where friends go to become family.

Linda is lovingly remembered by her children: Jennifer Luhm and her husband Kenneth, along with their children Patrick, Drew, and Joelle; Austin Stanley and his children Ethan and Isabella; and Wesley Stanley and his wife Jodie, along with their daughter Micaiah. She is also survived by her siblings: Charles Dowdy and his wife Sherry; Paula Durham; Chris McAleer and her husband Rick; and Darren Dowdy, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Tom” Stanley; her parents, Bill and Juanita Dowdy; and her brothers, Allen and Michael Dowdy.

Linda will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generosity, and the love she showed to everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her ministry, kindness, and devotion to family.

A memorial service will be held on April 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 177 Old Fayetteville Rd, Leland, NC 28451. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate her life.

Linda will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.