Linda Smith Buckalew, 82, of Shelby NC, daughter of the late Ervin Smith and Jewell White Smith, member of Elizabeth Baptist Church Shelby NC, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 15, 2023 with her two children by her side.

Born in Elbert County, GA, she married William Dorsey Buckalew Jr. in August, 1964. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and teacher. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Thomaston GA; Emory University - Atlanta GA; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - Louisville KY; and Georgia State University - Atlanta GA. She taught in elementary schools in Black Mountain NC, Atlanta City Schools, Upson County and Gwinnett County GA. She was a member of the teacher's honor society, Alpha Delta Kappa. Her avocation was serving in local and state units of Woman's Missionary Union - a Baptist missions organization. Linda faithfully served alongside her husband in ministry in several Baptist churches in the Atlanta area.

Survivors include her husband, Bill, of 58 years; daughter and son-in-law Beth & Tim Beam of Shelby NC; son and daughter-in-law, Bill & Jenny Buckalew of Newnan GA; grandchildren Lauren Beam Williams (Michael) of Shelby NC; Jonathan Beam (Angela) of Richmond KY; Jakin Buckalew, Sadie Buckalew and Josie Buckalew of Newnan GA; brother Wayne (Glenda) Smith and sister Virginia (Terry) Hammond of Thomaston GA along with three nieces, one nephew and two great nieces.

Memorials can be made to Elizabeth Baptist Church for the Heck-Jones Offering for NC Woman's Missionary Union, 301 N. Post Road, Shelby, NC 28152.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Elizabeth Baptist Church, Shelby, NC. Linda's family will receive friends from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Interment will follow on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA at 1 p.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Buckalew.