Linda Southern

“Love You More”~Ganna

Mrs. Linda Kay Barringer Southern “Ganna”, 83, passed away on March 12, 2023. Linda was born on August 12, 1939, in Richfield, NC, to Mary Katherine Morgan Barringer and Alton Ray Barringer who passed away when she was only 18 months old.

Linda graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University and moved to Winston-Salem where she worked as an elementary school teacher primarily teaching 5th grade. Later in her career, she became one of the first reading coordinators for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. She was Teacher-of-the-Year several times and had such an impact on hundreds of children, many who have called her their favorite teacher. After retirement, Linda loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren as they were growing up. Some of her favorite things were doing crossword puzzles, going to antique car shows with Bobby, getting her hair done, working in her yard, eating at Outback, and most recently playing Bingo with her friends at Kerner Ridge.

Linda greatly missed her husband of almost 60 years, Bobby Lee, after he passed away in May, 2021, but she was so strong and kept reminding us that “the past is gone; this is life”.   Linda is survived by her two children: son, David (Christi) Southern and daughter, Belinda (Brandon) Southern Ellington. Linda had four grandsons whom she adored: Spencer (Amanda), Parker (Sarah), Conner, and Braydon, and one grand-daughter, Bailee, whom she called “my precious girl”.

We are cherishing Linda’s life here on earth and celebrating that she has stepped into eternity with her Savior Jesus Christ. A graveside service will be held in Linda’s honor at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Walkertown, NC, on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Jay Boyce officiating. All are welcome to attend.  A very heartfelt thank you is extended to the staff and all of Linda’s friends at Kerner Ridge Assisted Living; she loved you all so much, and you filled her life with fun, heartfelt love and sincere friendships. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sedge Garden United Methodist Church, 794 Sedge Garden Road, Kernersville, NC 27284, or Oaklawn Baptist Church, 3500 Kernersville Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.

“Ganna, you will always be our sunshine.”