It is with heavy hearts and immense gratitude for a life so beautifully lived that the family of Linda Lou West Howard, age 73, of Morganton, announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, June 30, 2025. Linda was surrounded by her loving family, who held her hand and whispered words of comfort as she transitioned from this life into eternal rest. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and grace that will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and the community that knew her well.
Born on December 5, 1951, in Burke County, North Carolina, Linda was the treasured daughter of the late Gus West and Alma Condrey West. She was one of five children and shared an unbreakable bond with her siblings—John West, Buddy West, Leroy West, and Peggy Hamilton—all of whom preceded her in death. While their absence was deeply felt, Linda carried their memory in her heart every day, honoring them through her stories, her values, and her enduring love. Her family was the center of her universe, and she was the foundation upon which so many relied.
A lifelong resident of Morganton, Linda’s roots in the community ran deep. She was a faithful and active member of Grace Baptist Church, where she found spiritual strength and a sense of belonging. Her faith was unwavering, and it shaped every aspect of her life. Linda lived her beliefs through kindness, service, and generosity, never turning away someone in need and always welcoming others with open arms. Her presence at church, in the community, and in the hearts of those she touched was a reflection of her deep commitment to her faith and her love for others.
To know Linda was to know warmth, laughter, and genuine connection. She had the rare ability to make everyone she met feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you were part of her family, a lifelong friend, or a casual acquaintance, Linda treated you with compassion and respect. She made a conscious effort to understand others, to listen to their stories, and to offer comfort in times of need. Her heart was open to all, and her love for others was unconditional. She lived by example, showing others how to lead with love and live with grace, and in doing so, she inspired everyone she met to be their best selves.
Linda had a free spirit and an adventurous soul, a deep love for travel, and a thirst for new experiences. She delighted in discovering new places, immersing herself in the beauty of the world around her. One of her most cherished destinations was the Badlands of South Dakota, a place she held close to her heart. With every trip, Linda created beautiful memories, enriched her perspective, and deepened the bonds with those who journeyed beside her. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious, and she shared her stories with a sparkle in her eye and laughter that could light up a room. Linda’s love for adventure was a reflection of her ability to embrace life fully, without hesitation or fear.
But above all else, Linda’s greatest joy and purpose came from her role within her family. She was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, and an adoring grandmother. Her love for her family was constant, unconditional, and unwavering. For 53 years, she shared a loving and enduring partnership with her husband, William Allen Howard, her soulmate and best friend. Their bond was a testament to loyalty, resilience, and true companionship. They stood by one another through life’s challenges and celebrated its triumphs, always finding strength in each other.
Linda’s heart overflowed with pride for her daughters, Kelly Newton and her husband, David, of Morganton, and Melissa Little and her husband, Fred, of Barrington, NH. Her daughters were not only her greatest achievements but also her dearest friends. Linda supported them through every season of life, offering wisdom, encouragement, and, most importantly, unconditional love. Her role as a mother was her highest calling, and she was the rock upon which her family stood.
Her grandchildren—Arianna Antonelli, R.J. Proulx, and William Proulx—were the light of her life. She reveled in their accomplishments, cherished their laughter, and nurtured them with stories, hugs, and unwavering support. To them, she was more than just a grandmother; she was a guiding light, a confidante, and the heartbeat of their childhood. Linda’s influence on their lives was profound, and she ensured that her legacy of love, warmth, and joy would continue to shape their futures.
Linda also leaves behind a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends—each of whom was touched by her presence. Her legacy will live on through the lives she impacted, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave without condition. Linda’s family and friends find comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to guide them as they navigate life without her physical presence.
In honor of Linda’s vibrant spirit and her desire to bring people together, a Celebration of Life will be held in October 2025. This gathering, as she would have wanted, will be a joyous occasion, a chance for family, friends, and loved ones to share stories, memories, laughter, and love in remembrance of a woman who brought so much beauty into this world. The celebration will be a reflection of the joy Linda brought to others, and her family hopes that everyone who knew her will find comfort in the shared memories and the love that will continue to unite them.
Linda Lou West Howard’s passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her legacy of kindness, compassion, and joy will endure forever. She was a blessing to all who knew her, and while her absence will be deeply felt, her love will continue to surround those she leaves behind. Her memory will be a light that guides her family, friends, and community as they move forward, keeping her spirit alive in their hearts.
Rest in peace, Linda. Your journey was one of grace, generosity, and love. Your memory will forever be a guiding light that inspires those who were lucky enough to know you. Your love will live on in the hearts of all who knew you, and your spirit will continue to shine brightly through the lives you touched. May your legacy of love and kindness live on in the generations that follow. You will never be forgotten.
