Obituaries

Regina, Alisa, Amy, Shamia, Kasha, and Santana: Our hearts are broken 💔 for you and your family. Your mother was truly one of a kind. We were like family. Back in the day, mom said we lived at 108 Kelly Street and your parents lived at 108 1/2. We all grew up in Glen Elk and then we relocated to School Street and your family moved on First Street. Linda appointed herself Godmother to both of my great nieces (Ashley and Sierra). 🥰 My family and I must have hosted over 100 birthday parties for my late grandmother (Ophelia K. Davis). We could always depend on your mother to show up and play one round of cards after the other... Linda and Phelia were long-time travel companions and club buddies. I remember when your mother worked at G.C. Murphy’s. I would tell her that I wanted to buy chocolate cover peanuts for Mom, and she always gave me a few extra and smiled. Your mother/grandmother will never be forgotten by any of us who knew her. You took such good care of her these last few months. She was blessed to have had you. Linda Holyfield’s legacy is carried through each one of you... I’m sure she would want you all to remain close and continue to be there for one another and LOVE each other. Keeping you lifted, 🙏🏾 Carrol, Terri, Ricci, Gina and Sherri. ❤️

Posted by Sherri on July 8, 2023

Thinking of you Regina and the rest of the family my deepest condolences.

Posted by Violet on July 7, 2023

Regina, Alisa and Amy, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She will always have a special place in my heart. May God strength you all in the days to come. This is my special tribute to her: What are the qualities of a very good friend?? My Proverbs Friend (Ms. Linda – You will always hold a special place in our hearts. You are so precious and dear to us!!) A true friend shows love, no matter what! (Proverbs 17:17). A true friend gives heartfelt advice, bringing joy to the heart (Proverbs 27:9). A true friend rebukes, when necessary, but the correction is done in love (Proverbs 27:5–6). A true friend influences, enlivens, and sharpens (Proverbs 27:17). A true friend avoid gossip (Proverbs 16:28). A true friend forgives and does not hold grudges (Proverbs 17:9). Knowing the characteristics of a good friend can help you appreciate your current relationships and make new, meaningful connections. Many people in our lives will move somewhere along the spectrum between acquaintance and best friend. Understanding where someone fits on your spectrum and differentiating what you expect from the relationship is helpful. However, anyone you call a friend should live up to certain standards if you are going to invest yourself in the friendship. 1. They live with integrity: A friend with integrity acts in alignment with their values and commitments. They have strong moral principles, know the difference between right and wrong, and will speak or act when their principles are violated. 2. You can trust them: A close friend is honest and speaks from the heart with good intentions. A quality friend is trustworthy. 3. “Dependability” is her middle name: A good friends show up, keep promises, do what they say they will do, and stand up for you. I know that I can depend on her to listen to me talk and accept me unconditionally. 4. They have empathy for others: A good friend has that amazing ability to put themselves in your shoes, otherwise known as empathy. They do their best to understand what you’re feeling and react accordingly. 5. They’re good listeners: Listening skills are essential for a good friend. If someone has the qualities of a good friend, they give you room to speak, ask questions, validate your emotions, and help you find perspective. Some friends are good at helping you see things in a new light. F.R.I.E.N.D. (F) 1. faithful – loyal -- I’m so glad to have such a faithful friend 2. fearless – showing or displaying no fear; Linda is a fearless leader.” 3. fierce – very strong and aggressive 4. forgiving – not holding any grudges (R) 1. reliable – dependable and can be trusted 2. remarkable – unusual, striking, and worthy of being noticed 3. remarkable achievements 4. resourceful – find clever ways to deal skillfully with difficulties; a resourceful administrator. 5. responsible – in charge of; obliged to do the tasks set before her. (I) 1. inspirational – providing hope and encouragement motivated me to always do my best. 2. inspiring – encouraging, had an amazing influence in my life. 3. intuitive – instinctive; using or based on feelings instead of facts ve sense of what I want.” (E) 1. easy-going – relaxed and not easily worried or annoyed 2. empathetic – having the ability to understand others’ feelings 3. encouraging – providing hope and support. 4. energetic – possessing great energy 5. enthusiastic – having an intense interest in what she had to accomplish 6. extraordinary – unusual and exceptional (N) non-judgmental – avoiding judgement based on one’s moral standards (D) 1. dependable – trustworthy and can be relied upon 2. determined – resolute and unwavering 3. diligent – characterized by care and earnest effort in discharging in one’s duties. 4. diplomatic – possessing skills of dealing with people tactfully 5. dynamic – positive and energetic The most important principle of friendship is found in Amos. "Can two walk together, except they agree?" (Amos 3:3 KJV). Friends are of like mind. The truth that comes from all of this is a friendship is a relationship that is entered into by individuals, and it is only as good or as close as those individuals choose to make it. Katherine & Nicole Matthews, Kernersville, NC

Posted by Katherine Matthews on July 5, 2023