February 12, 2024, 79, Goldsboro —
Linda Kirby Sauls, 79, was received into the loving arms of her Savior on Monday, February 12, 2024, while surrounded by her family. She was born in Wayne County to the late Rachel and Barney Kirby, Jr. on June 23, 1944.
As part of the first graduating class at Charles B. Aycock High School, Linda graduated in 1962. For many years, she worked in the medical offices of Dr. Ralph Bland, and in later years with Dr. Sam McLamb.
From her home, Linda taught private piano lessons to many aspiring musicians. Music was an important part of her being, and she enjoyed every opportunity to share that love of music with others. At the age of 12, Linda began playing the piano for worship at Antioch Free Will Baptist Church. She later shared her talents for the work of the Lord at Temple Baptist, Yelverton United Methodist, Faro Chapel, and Mount Nelson Missionary Baptist Churches. Beyond being the church pianist, she also served as choir director for many years. Highly admired for her great skill and talent, she was the pianist for many weddings and funerals.
While a member of Mount Nelson Missionary Baptist Church, she also served as the president, secretary, and treasurer of the Women Missionary Union.
Linda loved watching a great game of basketball, especially when her beloved Carolina Tarheels were playing. Cheering them on from her home, she waited with great anticipation for every basket they made.
For Linda, her children and grandchildren always played a vital role in her day-to-day life. In whatever they chose to participate, Linda made sure to be present and support them in all of their endeavors.
A friend to many, Linda often shared her concern for others with a thoughtful card. Both family and friends looked forward to her phone conversations and visits to their homes. Sharing stories and reflecting on grand memories of the past was always an important part of these conversations, as she remembered the blessed life she had lived.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the fellowship hall of Mount Nelson Missionary Baptist Church in Eureka followed by a service to celebrate Linda’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Jimmy Dail officiating. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Sauls Family Cemetery on the Sauls family farm in Eureka.
Linda is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jesse Atkins “Jay” Sauls, Sr.; children, Phyllis Sauls Tyndall and husband, Barry, Lynn Sauls Creel and husband, Derrick, and Jesse A. Sauls, Jr.; grandchildren, Leigh Pyle (Liam), Britney Tyndall, Demion Creel, Jade Dobbins (Aaron), Zack Creel (Lexie), Jonas Creel (Morgan), Zay Creel, Devon Murray, and Dennis Christian Atkins Sauls; and great-grandchildren, Kian, Samuel, and Ansleigh. She is also survived by her brothers, Carl Kirby and Mike Kirby and wife, Julia; and sisters, Nancy K. Sauls and husband, Ben and Barney K. Lane.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to
Mount Nelson Missionary Baptist Church
P.O. Box 3239
Eureka, NC 27830
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
