Linda (Butler) Boyd

Linda was born December 17th, 1951, to proud parents Ray and Beatrice Butler of Asheboro, North Carolina. She received her education through Baldwin’s Chapel Elementary School, and the Randolph County School System. Her upbringing taught her to be polite and well mannered, but she was no pushover. Just a few months shy of high school graduation, Linda stood up for herself during a moment of racial prejudice, and ultimately left the public school system. She went on to become a proud graduate of GTCC’s GED program, and later began a career in the furniture industry. She welcomed retirement in 2018 from DAR-RAN Furniture as a Quality Control Supervisor.

Linda was a Lady, and she was Butler strong. She was a woman of firm character. Throughout her life, family was always priority, and in this regard, she excelled. She hoped against hope when the odds were against any one of them. She planted and cultivated faith in their lives when they needed it most. She was the good Samaritan who helped when others would dismiss, overlook, and walk around or by. She had a heart of pure gold and did without being asked or thanked. Linda did not give up on those she loved, and she did not let them give up on themselves. She was like a dependable merchant ship that constantly went out of its way to bring back resources from afar to meet their needs. She always delivered. She laid a blueprint that family was her first ministry, and her children rise and call her blessed. She bore fruit, and her fruit remains.

Even as she endured health challenges, Linda maintained a dignity and strength about herself that defied all odds and she never, ever complained. Time after time, multiple doctors told her they could not explain how she survived or was alive, how she moved or used infected limbs with little to no blood flow, or how she walked and talked after a stroke. The doctors asked, and she told them, “I need to move, so I move.” Her faith and mental fortitude was unsurpassed knowing it is in Him that we live, move and have our very being!

A few days before leaving her earthly body, she calmly and very matter-of-factly told her sister Rose that when her kidneys flip, that’s it. In essence, she was unbothered, almost as if she had blessed assurance, and could laugh quietly and rejoice for the days to come. This could have been the day she put her hand to the plow and did not look back, as she was preparing to go sweepin’ through the city. This might have been the day she declared within herself, If I perish, I perish, I am going to see the King! When the fullness of time came, Eric and Nicole made the tough decision together to honor her requests, then God had the final say. He delivered her physical body that was groaning, and in pain. He redeemed this precious mother, devoted partner, loving grandmother, caring sister, cheerful auntie, loyal cousin, and faithful friend. Despite all her struggle, the suffering did not compare to the glory He was ready to reveal to her, and He gently called her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother, Mildred Butler, sister, Lucille Michaels, brother, Raeford Butler Jr., and granddog, Eli.

Linda leaves to cherish fond memories, her significant other of the home, Calvin Chambers. To carry on her legacy are her children Eric Dark (Rhonda), and Nicole Dark (Aaron); grandchildren, Aaron Wall Jr., and Ashaun Wall; Bonus daughter, Jasmine Belk and bonus grandchildren Aariyonna Wall, Jade Hamilton, Tayveon Wall, Duce Hamilton, Lay “Lou-Lou” Wall, and Jace Johnson. Surviving relatives include sisters Virginia Montague, and Rose Gainey (Jesse); brothers Lonnie Butler (Lisa), and Ricky Butler; and a large host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be Wednesday, March 15th, 2pm-7pm, at Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, 206 Fourth St, High Point, North Carolina. 

Linda's homegoing service will be Thursday, March 16th at Baldwin's Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1202 Leonard Ave, High Point, North Carolina. Family visitation will start at 12noon and the service will begin at 12:30pm. Burial will follow at GuilRand Memorial Park Cemetery. Family and close friends will gather privately for repast.

The family will receive visitors for brief visits at their home in High Point, 4pm-7pm through Tuesday, March 14th.

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