Lynda Graham McCarty

Lynda Graham McCarty, 88, of Black Mountain, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, at her home. She was born on February 12, 1937 in Memphis, TN, the daughter of the late George Granville Graham, DDS and Gwendolyn Watson Graham.
She grew up in Idlewild Presbyterian Church, attended Hutchinson School and graduated from East High School. She attended Queens College, Rhodes College, and ultimately graduated from Vanderbilt University. She taught in Memphis elementary public schools, then took a year with friends to work in and enjoy New York City. After which, she returned to Memphis and teaching. She met and married Dr. Levi Benjamin McCarty, Jr. (Ben), her husband of 63 years. They moved to Jackson, MS in 1963 where she raised her family and participated in many church and community activities. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and president of the church women. Upon her husband's retirement, they moved to Black Mountain, NC in 1998. She enjoyed involvement in the local Women's Correctional Center Prison Ministry and helping found the Hope House for trafficked teenaged women, for which she was board member. As a member of Christ Community Church Montreat, she served as an elder and a circle leader. She and Ben volunteered with Lighthouse for Christ Mission in their Church, Bible School and Eye Clinic in Mombasa Kenya, spending several lengthy tours over a ten-year period.
Surviving is her husband of 63 years Ben McCarty, daughter Margaret McCarty Qualls (Ruben), sons Benjamin Graham McCarty (Debbie) and Frederick Scott McCarty (Ewa); grandchildren, Jocelyn Ana Gutierrez (Austen), Christopher Luis Boyarizo (Emily), Jennifer Linda Smyth (Brendan), Benjamin Ethan McCarty; two great grandchildren; brother, George Granville Graham, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Margaret McCarty Batsel. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Walker Watson Graham.
During their married life, Lynda and Ben enjoyed the arts, travelling with couple friends all over the world, family ski trips, weekends on the boat, and many family vacations to distant places. In Black Mountain, the house was a warm and wonderful gathering place for the large family on many occasions, especially the holidays. Lynda took pleasure in cooking and having company around the table. She spent her mornings in the breakfast nook with her Bible and coffee sending out daily devotional readings to loved ones. She was an ardent rose grower and loved sharing her roses with friends.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Community Church in Montreat, NC on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 3 pm. Reception will follow.
Memorials may be made to Christ Community Church Montreat, Montreat College, and LeBonheur Hospital in Memphis, TN.