Linda Mae (Hilton) Lewis

Linda Mae Hilton Lewis, 86, formerly of Kannapolis passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at her home in Chapel Hill, NC.  The daughter of the late Ralph Robert Hilton and Lottie Mae Bolick Hilton, Linda was born on April 27, 1936 in Kannapolis.  She was baptized at Midway Methodist Church as a child and was a 1956 graduate of A.L. Brown High School.  Linda was married to William Ralph Lewis for 43 years until Ralph’s death in April 2000. During her life she was employed by Cannon Mills, Terry Products, Zayre Department Store, and the Cannon Memorial YMCA.  In her later years, Linda enjoyed reading, gardening, and completing the daily crossword puzzle.  She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Rickie Dianne Hilton and Betty Yow; and brothers Cecil Hilton, Paul Hilton, and Wayne Hilton.

Linda is survived by daughters, Syble McDonald (Gary) of Southern Shores and Lisa Lawrence (Kirk) of Chapel Hill; Grandsons, Zack McDonald (Alyssa) of Kill Devil Hills, Luke McDonald (Amanda) of Charlotte, Major Jake Lawrence, USA (Lauren) currently residing in Vicenza, Italy, and Adam Lawrence (Katie) of Quincy, MA.  She is also survived by three great-granddaughters; Bailey McDonald, Isla Lawrence, and Eleanor Lawrence; two great-grandsons, Wyatt Lawrence and Emerson McDonald; sisters-in-law Janet Hilton and Doris Hilton, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14th at Whitley’s Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 12:30 pm at Carolina Memorial Park with Rev. Dennis Craft officiating.

Our family is grateful to the medical professionals at UNC Healthcare and UNC Hospice for their support, compassion, respect, and professionalism while Linda was in their care.  We would like to express special appreciation to Dawne Haley, RN, UNC Hospice; Dr. Rosanne Tiller, MD, UNC Geriatrics; and Susan Sweeney, LCSW.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be sent to UNC Hospice at UNC Hospice, c/o UNC Health Foundation, 123 West Franklin Street, Suite 510, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 or to an organization of one’s choice.