December 23, 2025, 83, Pikeville – Linda Vail Rouse Barnes, 83, passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at her home in Pikeville, NC. Born in Lenoir County on April 2, 1942, she was the daughter to the late Nelson Kay Rouse and Helene Rouse Vail and granddaughter to the late Luther Vail, Sr., and Sally Vail.
In addition to her parents & grandparents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Williams Page (Pete) Barnes, Sr. , her daughter, Lynne Sugg, her son, Luther Christopher Barnes and daughter in law, Gail Barnes.
Linda spent most her long life in Wayne County. She was an animal lover; spending numerous younger days horseback riding and she always had a furry companion. Her beloved dog, Beach, was by her side as she slipped away. An only child herself, Linda went on to have her own large family who were her pride and joy. As well as being a busy homemaker, she enjoyed working part time at novelty shops and also worked as a real estate broker. Her favorite place to be was at the beach and you could often find her there with a book in hand.
Linda is survived by her daughters, Melinda Mercer and husband, Neil, Tina Mitchell and husband, Kevin, April Etheridge and husband, Charles DisDier, Amber Truelove and husband, David, Aimee Barnes, Ashlyn Hines and husband, Duncan, and her sons, William Page Barnes, Jr., Mark Barnes, Timothy Barnes and wife, Lisa, and Lance Barnes. She was grandmother to Brandi King, Brad Butts, Brooke Butts, Kelly Mercer, Madison Haynes, Dakota Mercer, Summer Williams, Dylan Mitchell, Zoey Mitchell, Alex Etheridge, Jaden DisDier, Grayson Gurley, Skyler Barnes, Brooklynne Hines, Sterling Hines, William Barnes,lll, Aaron Barnes, Pamela Barnes, Rebecca Barnes, Kimberly Barnes, Brittney Miller, Jacob Sugg, Winter Newman, Justine Barnes, Courtney Elliot, Tiffany Denning, Pricillia Broadway, Olivia Barnes, and Macy Barnes. She also leaves behind numerous loved great grandchildren.
A graveside service to honor Linda’s life will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Pikeville Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.
The family is in the care of Seymour Funeral Home & Creation Service.
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