May 21, 2023, 85, Goldsboro –

Linda Riggs Radford, 85, entered into her eternal reward on Sunday, May 21, 2023, while being cared for in her home. She was born in Wayne County to the late James S. Riggs, Sr., and Lyndal Casson Riggs on June 3, 1937. In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Bruce Edward Radford; brothers, Sonny Riggs and Richard Vernon Riggs; and sister, Carol Riggs Jessup.

Linda and Bruce were a couple dedicated to the Lord for nearly their entire marriage, a marriage which spanned over 6 decades. Linda was born with a servant’s heart and this really became evident when she made the decision to follow Jesus in 1964. Her love began to really bloom as she found her purpose in serving Jesus with all that she had and all that she was. The hours she poured into others is unknown, but her impact carries on way beyond her death. Many young people have observed what it means to be a Christian woman by spending time with Linda. Her children are among the greatest evidence of this. They watched her study the Sunday school lesson late at night. They saw her compassion as she spent countless hours helping young girls learn a new skill and prepare for a competition. They felt her dedication to serving the Lord and knew all she did was for Him.

She loved her husband with all of her heart and has been incomplete since his recent death. They are now together once again. She loved being Bruce’s wife and partner in life and ministry. Linda was a mother her children could count on and go to no matter what, knowing she was always there for them. She was first employed at General Electric in Goldsboro but spent most of her life as a dedicated teacher at Faith Christian Academy. Linda touched lives as a teacher, which she did for many years prior to becoming the bookkeeper of Faith Church. After she “retired” as the bookkeeper, she continued to use her gifts and spent even more years teaching. She taught not only in the school but also in her Sunday school class at the church for nearly 30 years. Her church family knew they could look to Linda to lead and guide young people, from the nursery on up. In 2017, she was named “Woman of the Year” at Faith Church.

As many accomplishments as Linda had, she was always focused on doing the Lord’s work and bringing God glory. She didn’t need to say anything, those around knew she was doing all she did for the God who had given her life and breath, and an eternal life she now enjoys. Linda was full of love for her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. They were her joy and her treasure. She lived her life to its fullest and can now rest from her labors.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Faith Free Will Baptist Church followed by a service to celebrate Linda’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Interment will be on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

Linda is survived by her son, Rodney Edward Radford, and wife, Ellen of Archer Lodge; daughter, Rhonda R. Castleberry, and husband, Clyde of Archer Lodge; and grandchildren, Emma, Seth, Pricilla, Dan, and Natalie.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.