Linda Jackson

Linda F. Jackson went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 23rd 2023. Linda was born to Issac (Ike) Fonville and Mary Bernauer in Durham County NC on June 29th 1951. Her parents met in Germany during WWII and were married and settled in NC after the war. Her mother died soon after Linda was born and Ike remarried Jesse Gray Council of the Green Level Community and Jesse became a mother to Linda. Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Ronnie Fonville. She graduated from Northern High School in Durham and shortly thereafter married Jim Jackson and they started their life journey together in the greater Washington DC area during Jim’s time in the US Air Force. After Jim’s discharge, they settled in the Green Level Community where they lived for the next 45 years. Upon settling in the community, Jim and Linda joined Green Level Baptist Church where Linda was active in teaching children’s bible classes, volunteering in the Church library and acting as Church Historian and secretary. Linda received an Associates Degree in accounting and began her professional career with JA Jones construction participating on several large projects. She then joined NC State University assisting with large engineering research projects and would go on to become the Director of Sponsored Programs negotiating and managing research grants campuswide. She retired after 30 years of service to the University. During that time she remained a dedicated Tarheel fan. In retirement she found a log cabin near Lowgap NC and insisted that she and Jim purchase it right on the spot! It was a lovely place where she enjoyed watching the deer, turkeys, and occasional black bear. After selling their property in Green Level, she and Jim relocated near Benson NC in Johnston County. Linda suffered from a genetic bone and joint condition which manifested in her late 20s and continued the remainder of her life. As it progressed, it prohibited her from working at fundraisers for the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and helping assist disabled children. However, she was fortunate enough to ultimately be able to donate all of her retirement proceeds to charities, most notably to children’s hospitals. Surviving Linda are her husband, Jim, her step-sister Donna Lawson (Madison NC), several cousins and nieces and nephews and her adopted “Strother Family”. Jim would like to express his appreciation for all the calls and prayers during this difficult time. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of UNC Smithfield Hospital for their care and compassion with a special Thank You to Dr. Johnson and Nurse Allan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Linda’s name to one of the following: Brenner Children’s Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist in Winston Salem NC, The Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Durham Rescue Mission. In honor of Linda's memory, the family will receive friends and loved ones on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Green Level Baptist Church. Following the visitation, a funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm in the same location. The service will be followed by a committal ceremony at the church cemetery.

Linda Jackson

June 29, 1951 - May 12, 2023