Linda Long

Canton – Linda Lee McCracken Long, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Silver Bluff Nursing Home. She was a native of Haywood County, and the daughter of the late T.K. and Fannie Hill McCracken. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Joe McCracken; nephew, Dewayne and a great niece, Misty; sister-in-law and her husband, Anna Mae and George Blaylock; sister-in-law and her husband, Erma and Hollis Layman and nephew, Steve Mooney. Linda is survived by her husband of 60 years, J.M. Long, Jr. of Canton; a daughter, Kathy Mellon and her husband, Doug, of Maiden, North Carolina; a son, Kirk Long and his wife, Connie, of Waynesville; and daughter, Jenny Valentine and her husband, Kevin, of Canton; 10 grandchildren, Jenna and Zach Mellon, Nathan, Josh, Jonathan and Emily Long and Brayden, Chase, Sawyer and Brooks Valentine and 4 great-grandchildren, Addison, McKenzie, Grayson and Bailey Long; brother-in-law, Henson Long and his wife, Betty Jo; brother-in-law, Norman Long; brother, Darwin McCracken and his wife, Shirley, of Lenoir City, Tennessee, sister, Dale Kirkpatrick and her husband, George, of Clyde; sister-in-law, Ethel McCracken of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina and several nieces and nephews. Linda graduated from Canton High School in 1951. She attended Memorial Mission School of Nursing, where she received her RN degree in 1954. Linda and J.M. married in 1955 and she joined her husband in membership at Bethel Baptist Church. She loved her church and served as treasurer alongside her husband for 41 years. Linda also served as Sunday School Secretary. She was faithful in attendance where at one time Linda had not missed a service in 27 consecutive years. Linda always had a smile and kind word of encouragement for everyone she met. Even though her memory grew dim over the years, her smile never faded. She had an undeniable love for Christ and her family. Linda was loved by all that met her. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Bethel Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Roy Kilby officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Wells Funeral Home of Canton.

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