Linda Bowling Sample, 76, of Statesville, N.C., passed away June 21, 2022, surrounded by her family following a courageous three-year battle with peritoneal cancer.

Linda was born April 4, 1946, in Knoxville, Tenn., to Lindle Leon Bowling and Elizabeth Campbell Bowling, who preceded her in death. She attended the University of Tennessee, where she met the love of her life, the late James McCamey “Mac” Sample Jr. They married in 1966, and had three daughters, Leigh, Susan, and Marty.

Widowed at 37, Linda poured her heart into raising their daughters, and every decision she made put their best interests at the forefront. A devoted mother and Nanna, Linda was fiercely proud of her family and enjoyed life the most when surrounded by those she loved.

Linda is survived by her three daughters, Leigh Brown (Chris) of Statesville, Susan Simonton (Scott) of Troutman, and Marty Mauppin (Chris) of Troutman. She is also survived by grandchildren, Elizabeth Brown and husband Badin Thomas, Thomas Brown, Lindsay Simonton, Mac Simonton, Cole Loftis, Riley Mauppin, and Ella Mauppin.

Linda’s girls would like to thank the amazing staff at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville for their gentle and loving care through this difficult time. They would also like to thank their aunt, Jan Ambrose, for her constant support, guidance, and love.

Graveside funeral services and visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Oakwood Cemetery (just off Cowles Drive on Patriot Lane), Statesville, N.C. Linda’s pastor, Dr. Steve Shoemaker of Grace Baptist Church, is officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Linda’s family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or Hospice of Iredell County at https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.