Linda Arnold Edwards

1942 - 2021

ROCKY MOUNT - Linda Arnold Edwards, age 78, died on Friday, November 5, 2021, after a battle with lung cancer. An eternal optimist, loving mother, fun grandmother, and fast friend to all, the world lost an extraordinary person in her death. Born in Nash County, NC on November 27, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Prissy Arnold. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Purvis Lee Edwards; and her older brother, Joseph W. Arnold.

Linda grew up surrounded by a large extended family, with cousins who were like sisters, and best friends who lasted a lifetime. She could regale you with memories of times gone by and was a true Southern storyteller at heart. She liked writing short stories and poems and was so honored when one of her stories was made into a play and a collection of her poems were published.

Linda worked for the City of Rocky Mount in the collections department where she ultimately retired, but that work is not what defined her. It's the family she loved and the friends she made during her rich, full life that made her the authentic person that people were drawn to.

Linda was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and cousin. She loved big family gatherings at her house, cooking out on her late husband Purvis' handmade grill, swinging and see-sawing with her grandchildren, laughing and telling stories, and just enjoying being outside. While her sons weren't fans of raking the millions of acorns in her front yard, many happy memories were made with her grandkids jumping in piles of leaves and rolling down the hill in her front yard.

Linda was a friend to all. She never knew a stranger and would talk to anyone and everyone she met, saying whatever was on her mind. Her friends were her world, and they were a huge support to her and her family during her illness. While she enjoyed going on Unitarian Universalist retreats and trips to Atlantic Beach, and even a few European adventures, what she probably enjoyed most was just spending time with her friends on her screened-in porch, having impromptu song and music circles in her living room, and laughing and telling stories.

Linda lived in the moment and was passionate about what she believed in, and even better, she acted on it. She was a proud member of Nash County Democratic Women and spent many a weekend registering voters outside of Piggly Wiggly. Lifelong friends were made during her time campaigning door to door, standing in the cold rain at the polls, and working tirelessly to ensure the candidates she believed in were elected.

Linda is survived by her sons, Stephen Smith (Neosha), of Raleigh, Brad Smith (Raven), of Rocky Mount, and Jerry Edwards (Amy), of Jacksonville, FL; her grandchildren, Jacob and Claire Edwards, Joey and Matilda Smith, and Camille Smith; her brother, Phillip D. Arnold (Debbie), of Red Oak; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends galore. But mostly, she leaves behind a life well lived. A full life. A life of no regrets. This is her legacy, and she will be missed.

A Celebration of Linda's Life will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 4:00 PM at The Barn, in Nashville; with services on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 12:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Visitation with the family will follow the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.