On Saturday morning, January 13, 2024, Linda Juanita Smith was called home to be with the Lord. Born on July 8, 1960, in Hampton, Virginia she was blessed with 63 years of life and love.
Linda was the youngest of three children to the late Herbert L. Henderson and late Harriette T. Henderson. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in Business.
Early in life, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Providence Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. Providence Baptist was Linda’s pride and joy. She frequently shared stories about her church family, friends, and advisors. Not only did the church bring her spiritual happiness, but it was also where she met the love of her life, Franky Lee Smith. Upon her move to Huntsville, she continued her Christian journey as a faithful member of Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1994, she married Franky. The two spent 29 glorious years together. As a result of their union, they had five children, two daughters; Ariel and Briana, two stepdaughters; Shawndria and Francesca, and one stepson, Devin. Linda poured an immense amount of love into everyone she met. She was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and compassionate friend.
After 36 years of service, Linda retired from the United States Postal Service. She started her career in Norfolk, VA, and finished in Toney, AL. In November of 2005, she made history as the first African American postmaster in Lester, Alabama.
Linda leaves behind to treasure her memory, husband, Franky Smith of Harvest, AL; daughters, Ariel Smith of Knoxville, TN; Briana Smith of Athens, AL; step-daughters, Shawndria Matthews of Hampton, VA; Francesca Kouokwa of Hampton, VA; step-son, Devin Smith (Asia) of Hampton, VA; brothers, Herbert L. Henderson Jr. of Portland, OR; Steve Henderson (Sonya) of Suffolk, VA; godson, Paul Henderson (Kierra) of Detroit, MI; goddaughters, Alexandria Murphy of Hampton, VA; Stephanie Nicky Cook of Atlanta, GA; a host of aunts, nieces and nephews.
“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22)
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church (1919 Brandontown Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35816) with Reverend Joe Stevenson officiating. Interment will be in the Huntsville Memory Gardens. Mrs. Smith will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2024, and 8:30 until 9:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Royal Funeral Home.
