

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.
Obituary
Linda K. Smith, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, at the age of 68 in Denton Texas. Born on June 3, 1956, in St Joseph Michigan, Linda’s quiet and reserved nature was balanced by her sharp wit and surprising sense of humor. Those fortunate enough to know her appreciated the wisdom behind her observant eyes and the warmth she shared with friends and family alike.
A lover of nature, Linda enjoyed her long walks, butterflies and tulips. These peaceful moments in nature were mirrored by her love for action movies, good food and learning new things. Above all else, Linda loved to spend time with, and is survived by, her beloved daughter Deborah Fairleigh. The unconditional love and unbreakable bond they shared served as an enduring testament to Linda’s warmth and dedication. Together, they crafted a world of shared laughter, whispers, and understanding that few are lucky to know. Linda's legacy of love and kindness continues through Debbie, who carries forward her mother's memory.
Linda is also survived by her devoted siblings, Debra Lee, Sandra Hood, Kathryn Gifford and Rick Fairleigh along with numerous other loved ones including Patricia Crocker, Josh Hood, Richard Lee, Miyaka Young, Rodrick Brown, Samantha Gifford, and many more who will cherish her memory and the light she brought into their lives.
Linda’s legacy is one of understated brilliance and quiet strength. Her humor, often revealed in quick quips, was a source of joy to those around her, often catching others delightfully off guard. She taught those she loved the value of attentive presence and the beauty of life’s subtler moments.
A memorial service celebrating Linda's life will be held date & time are to be determined. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her calm presence and insightful nature.
As we say goodbye to Linda K. Smith, we hold onto the memories of laughter, wisdom, and the deep love she shared with those closest to her. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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It is very difficult to try to capture in a few words all the wonderful things about Linda and all her strengths. Linda was a wonderful and fun big sister to me - highly intelligent, wise, well read with such a unique sense of humor.
Linda amazed me with her in depth knowledge on such a wide variety of topics - ranging from history of foreign countries and cultures, current politics, current events, world leaders, Biblical events, health and wellness - so much knowledge on so many topics with so much meaningful personal insight to share.
With all her intelligence, Linda was also very kind, down to earth, sincere, and a selfless loving person.
Remembering Linda as a wonderful big sister - I will always cherish how much fun Linda was and how nice she was to me when I was a small child. Linda spent a lot of time playing with me and doing nice things for me. So. many fun memories and funny times. One small example of a fond memory for me (looking back it had to be annoying for Linda- but i don't recall her ever complaining) - when Linda got her first car (it was a weird moss green color but got us around!) - i would ask her to drive me to Mc Donalds any and every day that our Mom was not home - and Linda always did it! Never complained. I guess she must have paid for our food too - I didn't have any money as a child! It was such a treat to me and a really big deal back in the day! Just one of many fun memories and example of how Linda always went out of her way to do fun things with me.
Linda spent a lot of time with me when I was little - whether it was listening to records, making up silly stories, laughing, playing games (monopoly for hours on end! she was also very patient!), making time to play with me in the pool. Linda spent so much quality time with me and I always remember her being so nice and sweet (and I am pretty sure I was a spoiled brat at times). These may seem like little things. but they were very impactful to me and in the simplest terms, hopefully provide a glimpse into Linda's patience and her kind, giving, and loving nature.that continued throughout her life. I love Linda very much and miss her very much for now.
I will miss my sister greatly! She had such a way of making me laugh with witty things to say. I specially will cherish the times we spent together while raising you & Josh. Linda was so very intelligent & enjoyed talking to me about worldly events.
I’ll always be grateful for the time she spent with me on the phone when we found out Robert had cancer. We talked everyday about how he was doing & she had a way of making me laugh during a very difficult time.
I love my sister very much & will miss her.I’m so grateful because we did spend a lot of time together over the past 40 years.
Love you Debbie!!
Aunt Sandy
You will always be grateful for that. In the days to come when your heart is sad, remember the joy that you shared together. It will lighten your heart and put the smile on your face that your mother always love to see. She is at home with her Lord and Saviour, in perfect health and eternal joy. We love her and will miss her always ❤️ Granny
I miss you so much. Though you are no longer here with me physically, I can feel you and I can hear you. Telling me to be strong, be smart, work hard, and to enjoy life.
I will never stop loving you. You are Me and I am You.
I love you so much Mom. So much.