Linda Culbreth Thornton, age 85, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at her home in Smithfield. Born on September 1, 1940, in Johnston County, she was the daughter of the late Lovenia Roberts and her stepfather, Hubert Roberts. She was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Thornton, Jr.; and her brother, Thomas "Butch" Culbreth.

Linda was a graduate of Smithfield High School and the Wilson School of Nursing. She began her nursing career at Johnston Memorial Hospital in 1962 and retired in 1997 after more than 30 years of dedicated service. During her tenure at Johnston Memorial Hospital, she served as Head Nurse of the Intensive Care Unit and later as a Nursing Supervisor.

Linda enjoyed gardening, working crossword puzzles, spending time at the beach, and playing Rummikub with her aunts.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Parrish Funeral Home.

Linda is survived by her children, Lora Bedford and husband, Rick, of Smithfield, and James Allen Thornton of Four Oaks; stepson, Richard Cowley and wife, Sandra, of Leamington Spa, Great Britain; grandchildren, Chasity Herring (Brandon), Heather Gremillion (Todd), Annie Casey (Kyle), and Morgan Thompson (Jamie); step-grandchildren, Vicky Cowley, Ryan Cowley (Emily), Kristy Cowley (Darrin Percy), and Liam Cowley (Emma); great-grandchildren, Jamie Cole (Kelsey Lancaster), Reagan Cole, Aubrey Herring, Evelyn "Evie" Herring, Harper Herring, Parton Matthews, Sean Gremillion, Penelope "Penny" Gremillion, Kylan Casey, McKenzie Thompson (Walker Morrow), Josephine "Josie" Thompson, and Stella Thompson; step-great-grandchildren, Latisha Cowley, Charlotte Cowley, Rory Cowley, Joey Cowley, James Cowley, and Robin Cowley; great-great-grandson, Warren "Wren" Morrow; and sister-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Thornton.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her caregivers with Action Health Staffing and the nurses and staff of 3HC Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Linda.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Johnston Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577; 3HC, c/o Philanthropy Department, 2402 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534; or to the charity of one's choice.