December 31, 2025, 82, Kenly – Linda Smith Vick, 82, passed away at her home on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Born in Johnston County on March 2, 1943, she was the daughter of the late George Henry Smith and Elgie Naomi Radford Smith. To her family, she was simply and lovingly known as Mom and Nanny—the heart, foundation, and steady presence of generations.
Linda was a loving, caring, and deeply compassionate wife, mother, and Nanny. Her love was unwavering and shown not in grand gestures, but through consistent presence, quiet sacrifice, and unconditional devotion. She made sure her family was always nurtured, cared for, and well fed—because to Linda, feeding her family was one of the many ways she expressed love. Through shared meals and handwritten recipes, she passed down not only family favorites, but also love, tradition, and togetherness.
Family was the center of Linda’s world. She never missed an important moment—dance recitals, football and soccer games, graduations, weddings, or everyday milestones. Whether sitting in the stands, the audience, or lake side during joyful afternoons together, Linda was always present, always supportive, and always full of love. She held a special place in her heart for White Lake, returning year after year with her family to create cherished traditions and lasting memories. To her, love meant showing up—again and again—and she always did.
Linda was also a devoted and hardworking woman. She spent 30 years employed at the Purdue Hatchery, where her strong work ethic and reliability were deeply valued. After retiring, she lovingly dedicated herself to caring for her husband and helping raise her grandchildren—roles she embraced wholeheartedly and selflessly.
Her home and her heart were always open. She knew exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. Though she never liked to offend, she was fiercely protective of her family and would always protect those she loved. Nanny’s love was unwavering, her presence comforting, and her influence immeasurable. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and quiet wisdom that will live on through generations.
Linda shared a lifelong love with her beloved husband, Wilbert Glenn Vick. Together they enjoyed fishing in their younger years and dancing or listening to music at local music halls.
She was an active and faithful member of St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church for many years where her love for her church—and above all, her love for the Lord—were evident to all who knew her. She actively served as a Bible School teacher, participated in the Women’s Auxiliary, and was an AFC and YFA leader.
Linda is survived by her children, Rhonda Leegins; Glenda Avery and husband, Darrell; and Henry Vick; her grandchildren, Christopher Vick, Catlyn Eckstein and husband Patrick, Victoria Hare-Leegins and husband Gabriel, Cameron Avery and wife Angela, Elizabeth Leegins, Joshua Avery, Caroline Leegins, and Jessica Avery; and her great-grandchildren, Aoife Eckstein and Stella Avery. She is also survived by her sister, Viola Lucas; a host of nieces and nephews; and special friends Sue Howell, Ann Coley, Doris Ward, and Phil and Carol Sullivan.
In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Glenn Vick; her siblings Hilda Mitchell, George “Smitty”, Floyd, Andrew, Clifton, Ray, Devid, Johnny, Roy, Juanita, and Kenneth Smith.
Linda will be remembered for her faith, her kindness, her dedication to family, and the gentle, steady way she cared for others. While our hearts are heavy, we are forever grateful for the love she gave, the memories she created, and the family she held together so beautifully. She will always be our Nanny—guiding us, loving us, and living on in everything we do.
The family will receive friends at Linda’s home, 7136 Wiggins Mill Road, Lucama, NC 27851, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A service to celebrate Linda’s life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Kenly Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Kenly Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hal Woodall and Dr. Sayeed Hossain for their compassionate care, dedication, and commitment to Linda over the years. Through their expertise and kindness, they gave our family many more joyful years with our Mom and Nanny—time we will forever cherish and are eternally grateful for.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557, in loving memory of Linda.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral Service.
