Committal
Linda Smith Wall, 89, of Morganton died Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Grace Ridge Retirement Community following a period of declining health.
She was born in Burke County on August 6, 1937 and was the daughter of the late Harold Russell Smith, Sr. and Lolita Oxford Smith Hoyt.
A 1958 graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh, Mrs. Wall was a homemaker with a love for horses and a keen interest in history and archaeology. In addition to being a homemaker, she volunteered with the Morganton Service League and the Quiz Bowl team at Freedom High School, while also serving terms on the Burke County Board of Education and the Western Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees, as well as the Western Piedmont Community College Foundation. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton.
Surviving are her children, daughter Jenner Wall of Charlotte, and son Edward Wall of Morganton, sister-in-law Harriet Smith Proctor (Dean) of Hickory, and nephews Eric Smith (Monica) and Brad Smith (Laurie), all of Charlotte.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wall was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Carl H. Wall, Jr. and her younger brother, Harold Russell Smith, Jr. (Bucky).
The family is grateful for the care Linda received at Grace Ridge Skilled Nursing Center, and especially for the love and devotion of her care givers, Berit, Emily, Teresa, Anita, Ari, and Denise, with special love to Christie who had been with her the longest.
A memorial service for Mrs. Wall will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 22, 2026 in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton with Rev. Lance Perry and Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Exploring Joara Foundation, PO Box 296, Morganton, NC 28680 or the First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Linda Wall was an amazing woman and had a tremendous influence on me though I am not sure she knew it. I will forever remember her as a force, a true "let's get this done" kind of woman. She always showed up, delivered, and encouraged. She showed me what it meant to believe in a cause. You were one remarkable lady, and I will never forget all that you shared of yourself.
Linda was a dear friend of my family. Full of curiosity and class, she was so enthusiastic about the Bible, history, family updates, my daughter‘s riding, and my Dad’s scholarly work on the first century. She was a force. Full of energy and love. I am so sorry to learn of her passing, but I know she had a positive influence on so many lives. She was wonderful to come up for Dad’s retirement. (Dr. James Charlesworth at Princeton Seminary) Rest In Peace and May God bless her family. We are grateful and lucky to have known her. Michelle
Linda's advocacy and support laid such a strong foundation for Exploring Joara. So many field students, summer campers, and professional archaeologists benefitted from her generosity. Cost of room and board is one of the biggest barriers for students completing their required field school. I'm certain that there are more well trained professional archaeologists in the country thanks to her.
Dear family, Linda was an inspiration and joy to all who knew her. She was a champion for the missions of nonprofits and supported them generously with her time and finances. Also, Linda was a true friend to those who knew her. In addition to her loyalty, she was a wonderful traveling companion and lots of fun. So many fond memories were made on the Grace Ridge bus excursions! Please accept our sincere condolences, Susan and David Pollpeter
Jenner and Eddie, I am so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I didn’t know her well, but she was always so kind and had the sweetest smile. She was and always will be your Beautiful Angel. I’m sending my condolences and heartfelt prayers. 💔