Linda Cleo Beaty

Linda Cleo Smith Beaty, 85, of New Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024, after living with Parkinson’s Disease for 15 years. Linda was born in her family home in New Salem, North Carolina, to Clarance and Blanch on Christmas Eve in 1938.

She spent her childhood in New Salem, helping her family around the farm. Her chore of watering the turkeys kept her busy, and she loved to recount the story of how far she had to walk to fill the buckets. She graduated from New Salem High School in 1955 and then attended Wingate College.

After college, she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and accepted a job at Bell South Telephone Company, where she excelled and quickly became manager at the age of 26. The friendships she gained from her years at Bell South were cherished, and she regaled the stories of her time there for many years that followed. Retirement didn’t last long as she loved to stay busy! Along with her son, Bryan, she ventured into a few businesses including Goggie’s Trucking and finally, in 2008, Beaty Monuments in Monroe, North Carolina. She enjoyed working in downtown Monroe and being able to help others in their time of need.

Linda was exceptionally talented at the piano and enjoyed playing at the church she attended with her parents, Mount Moriah United Methodist Church. She loved her community of New Salem and treasured many friendships from her years of living there. She was also an exceptionally talented seamstress and truly enjoyed going up to her sewing room and tinkering around, whether it was to make a gown or sew up some quick pillowcases from fabric she found during her many shopping trips.

Linda will be remembered for her timeless grace and unwavering class, which left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Linda is survived by her granddaughter, Britney Whitley of Kannapolis, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Linda is preceded in death by her son, Bryan Whitley of New Salem; her parents, Clarance Erastus and Blanch Mullis Smith of New Salem; her brother Jerry Smith of New Salem; her paternal grandparents, John and Lena May Smith; and maternal grandparents, Martin and Kiziah Mullis.