Obituary of Linda Simerson

Linda Marie Simerson, born in Salem, NJ, on July 9, 1949, died in Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC, on April 19, 2011. She is survived by both parents, a sister and a brother, all listed below. She worked at NCSU for about 16 years, most recently in the Materials Science and Engineering group as Contracts and Grants manager. She had lived in the Raleigh area for about 29 years. She was one of the original members of Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh where she first served in the choir; then in the Nursery Department. She also volunteered to help in the church office. Her years at Providence were very rewarding to her.Linda had a wide range of interests: reading, music, travel, handcrafts, gardening, teaching ESL and cooking (especially international cuisines). She loved to learn about foreign cultures and went the "extra mile" to help immigrants to "fit in". Linda regularly enjoyed summer music and cultural activities in the area and frequently visited art galleries, concert halls, museums and other points of interest in a life-long interest of things new to her; and in appreciation of other people's talents. She had several dogs over the years and watched for the humming birds that came to her rear deck yearly and came to trust her and hovered near her.Her life was characterized by close, lasting friendships, joy of life, sharing experiences, love and respect for nature, the welfare of people everywhere in all situations and the ever-present excitement of anticipating what new experience was just "over the hill and around the curve". She always threw herself selflessly into each new job that came her way, establishing a reputation of acclaim among her managers and fellow workers. Finally, Linda was particularly desirous of sharing her spiritual life with others who had not heard, read or understood the Gospel message of the Bible and encouraged family and friends alike in times past to tell the story of Jesus to people in their little part of the world and to be willing to go anywhere to those there who need to hear that story.

Linda was the daughter of Bert Simerson and Emilie Springle Simerson, presently ofLeland NC; had two sisters, Patricia and Andrea Simerson, both of Newark, Delaware, and one brother, Gordon Simerson of North Branford, Connecticut. All except Andrea are still living.

The family gives special thanks to all who have contacted us with condolences; for the prayers offered up for us by so many people; and for honoring Linda through your presence here today. May God bless you all richly.