Linda McIntyre Thomas

Linda McIntyre Thomas, 86, of Elon, North Carolina, passed away to her Heavenly home on November 12, 2025. Linda lived a life filled with love and quiet strength.

Her life touched many during her nursing career at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill. She cared for countless patients and their families with compassion and dignity. Her calm presence was a source of comfort to many who knew her.

Outside of her work, Linda found joy in the simple, everyday moments that gave her joy. One of her favorite hobbies was gardening-especially tending to the many varieties of homegrown tomatoes she grew for many years. She and her brother Fred created a homemade tomato juice that became a family tradition, eagerly awaited and always enjoyed.

Later in life, as her mobility decreased, Linda discovered a deep love for birdwatching. She delighted in studying the different types that visited her feeder each day, finding beauty in their presence.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Walter A. Thomas; her parents, Ralph G. McIntyre and Maxine P. McIntyre; her brothers, Richard G. McIntyre, Howard D. McIntyre, and Ralph F. McIntyre; and her sisters, Kathleen M. Birchett, Francis M. Covington, Peggy Sue McIntyre, and Joan M. Barbee.

Though many of her closest loved ones and friends passed before her, Linda carried each of them in her heart throughout her life. Her love for her family was evident in the stories and memories that she shared. Her resilience during illness and devotion to family will remain her lasting legacy. Her loved ones take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with those who went before her.

She is survived by her brother, Donald E. McIntyre; her daughter, Deborah L. Doss, and husband Randall; her grandsons, R. Dustin Doss, Jonathan T. Doss and wife Christina, and J. Taylor Doss; and her great-granddaughters, Willow E. Doss and Addilyn R. Doss, as well as two grand dogs, Calder and Charlotte Margaret. She leaves behind numerous sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces who were dear to her. She was deeply grateful for the compassionate care and support provided by her caregivers Dianne Wolford, Loretta Rose, and Hospice AuthoraCare toward the end of her life.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life.