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
Send flowers to the service of Linda Kay McDuffie
Laurence Kessler sent Beautiful Dreams for Linda Kay McDuffie - January 03, 2025
Daniel and Family - Sending our love through this difficult time. May Linda's memory be a blessing
Ventra Health
Maria D. Toler sent Rays of Light Spray for Linda Kay McDuffie - January 02, 2025
DJ- Wishing you peace and love during this difficult time. I hope you have a wonderful celebration of her life today.
Best, Maria Toler
George Houston sent Celestial Love for Linda Kay McDuffie - January 02, 2025
To DJ, Traci, and the McDuffie family, we offer our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom. May God comfort you, bring you peace, and give you strength during this difficult time.
Living Spirit Dishgarden was sent for Linda Kay McDuffie - January 01, 2025
Sympathy Spray was sent for Linda Kay McDuffie - January 01, 2025
Linda Owens planted 5 trees in memory of Linda Kay McDuffie . - January 04, 2025
My sincere sympathy is extended to the Family of Sister Linda McDuffie. I will always remember spending a delightful Christmas Day with she and her daughter Dec.25, 2024. Blessings to her Family always. Carol Williams ❤️🙏🏿
Sending our sincere condolences to Danielle, DJ, the Dawkins and McDuffie Families. May God comfort and give you peace during this difficult time. Sincerely, Ernest and Audrey Ray
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family. I attended church at Fairview ame church in Earl NC with Linda. May God be with you and give you comfort.
Danielle and family, our sincere condolences on the death of your dear mother. It sounds like she was a gentle warrior for the Lord. I enjoyed our brief meeting over the fence! Our hearts are with you.
Sorry to hear that Linda Dawkins McDuffie had passed. When we were children we would visit often. Linda's father and my mother were first cousins. Praying for jer children and sisters and brothers. Love the Rodgers family. Gaffney SC Dorothy R Petty
To The Family, we are sending condolences and hugs in memory of Linda our cousin. May God give you all the peace and comfort you will need during this season of your lives. Roger & Drucilla Allison
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.