Linda Freeman Gordon Stafford passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Gordon Hospice House after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Being born into a Methodist minister’s family, Linda grew up in Salisbury and Yadkinville, N.C. She graduated from West Mecklenburg High school and attended Appalachian State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1974. Her first teaching job was at Harmony Elementary School in 1974, but she soon found her home at Monticello Elementary School in Statesville, where she taught kindergarten for 24 years. Linda then moved to Celeste Henkel Elementary School, also in Statesville, where she taught third grade for six years. Her patience, understanding and radiant smile helped many Iredell County adults.

Linda was born December 1, 1951, in Asheboro, N.C., to the late Rev. Everett Freeman and Nancy Senter Freeman, who survives. Also surviving are her loving husband, Danny Ellis Stafford, whom she married in 1985; their daughter, Traci Lynn Gordon Montaigne of Statesville; and grandchildren, Tyler Montaigne (Savannah) of Statesville, Kaylynn Montaigne of Statesville and Hunter Montaigne of Statesville. Linda is also survived by her sister, Emily Sheffield (Johnson) of Kenansville; brother, Darrell Freeman (Alice) of Hickory; and sister, Joy Buff (Billy) of Denver, N.C., as well as multiple nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Linda became a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Statesville in 1981 and served faithfully in the chancel choir for many years. She was a member of The Bass-Beck Circle, Thursday Book Study, Adult Bible Study Sunday School, was awarded the Laity of the Year in 2016 and served at various times on most church committees and mission activities. She was in great demand, as she was a talented crafter, teacher, artist, cook, interior painter, spackler, wood worker, cleaner, secretary, decorator, gardener, calligrapher, and a great friend to all she knew. Most importantly, she met everyone with a smile and acceptance, as this was what God expected and was the same love she received when first attending Wesley.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Wesley Memorial or Thrive Church in Statesville, Hospice and Palliative Care of Statesville or the Gordon Hospice House. The family would especially like to thank the staff at the Gordon Hospice House for the loving care provided to Linda and her family. Words cannot express the thanks to all of Linda’s friends, family, church family (former and present) that prayed, sang, crafted, cooked and visited during her most difficult time of need. Your actions brought great peace to the family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 15, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends following the service.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.