Linda Kay (Dawkins) McDuffie, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, just days after celebrating her 74th birthday. Born on December 23, 1950, to Martha Lee and Robert Dawkins Jr in Shelby, North Carolina, Linda lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering love for her family, and a delightfully mischievous spirit.

A proud graduate of Crest High School and Livingstone College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Linda found her calling as a preschool teacher, touching countless young lives with her gentle nature and caring heart. Her marriage to Daniel McDuffie blessed her with two children who became the center of her world.

Linda's love for her family knew no bounds. Each year, without fail, she recorded special birthday songs for her children, Danielle and DJ, and filled their lives with heartfelt letters and cards. Her grandchildren, Grant and Reese, brought immense joy to her later years, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Known for her quiet strength and keen observations, Linda was a woman of deep faith who attended Victory Christian Center in Charlotte. She prayed daily for others and stood firm in her convictions, facing life's challenges with remarkable grace and resilience.

Despite facing health challenges in her final years, Linda never lost her zest for life – or her love of good food. She was famous among her caregivers and friends for her creative ways of acquiring her favorite treats, often convincing them to sneak in foods that were officially "off-limits." Her conspiratorial smile and joy in these small rebellions brought light and laughter to those around her.

Linda was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Gary Dawkins, and her parents. She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughter Danielle of Greensboro, NC; son DJ and daughter-in-law Traci of Milton, GA; grandchildren Grant and Reese; and her devoted siblings Tommy Lee Dawkins (Mary), Verna Sue McCluney (Larry), Brenda Ann Roseboro, Martha Marie Smith, Shirley Diana Hunt (Jerry), Roberta Grace Brown (Curtis), and George Anthony Dawkins (Kim). She also leaves countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by her genuine spirit and humble heart.

Linda's quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her genuine spirit, steadfast love, and occasional sweet-toothed conspiracy.

Celebration of Life: A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11am at Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 East Market Street Greensboro, North Carolina.

Repass will be immediately after the service from 12:30 - 2:30 PM at The United House of Prayer, 101 S. Dudley St., Greensboro, NC 27401