Linda R. Longley

Linda Rackley Longley gave up the sufferings of this world on Thursday, February 3, 2022, and now sees glory beyond all comparison in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She is preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Longley Jr.; parents, Charles and Eva Rackley; infant sister, Elizabeth, and in-laws Clifton and Elizabeth Longley.

Linda was born in Wilmington, NC in 1948 where she was also raised. She loved growing up with her mother and father and took the greatest care of them until they both went home to be with the Lord. She also enjoyed growing up with her brother, Charles Ray Rackley, whom she always enjoyed spending timed with. She would tell the story of how she embarrassed him when he was a teenager. Linda was about 6 years of age when Ray went into the store to buy some ice-cream. Linda came running in behind him, saying, “Mama said get the cheapest.” She also recalled a time growing up when she was around the dinner table with her family. When the food was passed around, she would find herself piping up, “Don’t take all.” She wanted to make sure there was enough for her.

Linda would finally come to meet the love of her life, Clifton “Skip” Longley. She recalled the time when she leaned out of her friend’s car window and yelled out, “Hey Skip!” And so began the journey of making their own family together. They eventually settled in Rocky Point, NC. Born to them were sons, Jeff, Shannon, Chris, and daughter, April.

Linda graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a B.A. degree in Psychology in 1986 and received her M.S. degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation from East Carolina University in 1987. She worked as a Prevention Education Specialist for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and later as a substance abuse counselor at Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center in Wilmington. She obtained an M.A. in Ed. in Counselor Education from East Carolina University in 1990. She worked with the Pender County School system as a school counselor and was the first elementary counselor hired in Pender County. Linda last worked at Cape Fear Community College as a Counselor and Academic Advisor. She had over 14 years of experience as a school counselor, working with students of all ages from pre-kindergarten through college. Following her dissertation, entitled “Age Ain’t Nuttin’ But A Number,” Linda graduated from North Carolina State University in 2004 with a PhD in Counselor Education.

It should be stated that Linda’s health was in decline back in February of 2021, being diagnosed with congestive heart failure and malnutrition. It was said by some in the healthcare community that it could be expected that she would die at any moment. Much like Hezekiah, the Lord healed her and gave her additional time to continue for His glory. She pressed into the Lord, being led by Him to pray for, encourage and show hospitality to others around her. She was a true example of God’s healing power, provision, mercy, and faithfulness.

It had not been easy on Linda since her husband passed six years ago. She admitted the struggle of missing the relationship they had. At the same time, she leaned into Jesus in thought, conversation, and dependency like never before. She had been known to lose her phone or debit card, and many times we prayed that God would point them out. We almost wonder if Jesus will jokingly ask Mom if she still knows where she put her phone and debit card last.

Our Mom always enjoyed walking and exercise…and when we say enjoyed walking, we mean that her walking pace would match most people’s jogging pace. If you ever found yourself going on a “stroll” with her, you would soon find out that you were being left in the dust…while the conversation continued:)

If you ever crossed paths with Linda, it is likely you were encouraged by a word she spoke to you or were asked how she could pray with you followed by prayer on the spot. She found a way to speak good into just about any situation. You may not think much of yourself or the situation, but you best believe our

Mom would turn it into an opportunity to build you up.

A bondservant of Jesus Christ, this mother, daughter, sister, friend, and neighbor was an encourager and a prayer warrior, one who constantly fought the good fight of faith. By the grace of God, she wanted to intentionally use the life she was given, the dash between her birth and death, to live for the glory of God and for the sake of others. Her heart and life were gripped by her Savior, Jesus, and she was forever mindful of the coming kingdom of God. Heaven did not gain an angel, for angels know not the great transition from death to life, from being lost to being found, from being broken to being made whole, from being an enemy of God to becoming His friend. When Mom took her last breath here, she began her first moment in the very presence of the Savior she has followed for so long. Her unhindered, undistracted worship of our great God and Savior has begun anew for her for eternity.

Linda momentarily leaves behind her children: Son, Jeffery Longley and wife, Angie; Son, Shannon Longley and wife, Kelly; Daughter, April Ramsey and husband, Keith; Son, Chris Longley and wife, Khristen; as well as her Brother, Ray Rackley and wife, Pat Rackley. Linda, aka Mimi, lovingly came alongside her 11 Grandchildren: Meredith, Kristen, Teresa, Heather, Blake, Gavin, Evan, Trevor, Nathan, Lucas, and Bennett; and Great Grandchild, Kaycee Ciera Witherspoon.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park (1155 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, NC, 28412) from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Family and friends are encouraged and welcomed to visit the family on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Riley’s Creek Baptist Church (19845 NC Hwy 210, Rocky Point, NC, 28457), followed by funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.