Evangelist Mother Linda Faye Carr, 77, of 1112 Caldwell Street, Statesville, N.C., peacefully passed away at her residence on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. She was born to the late Marshall “Shorty”
Sidney Rankins Sr. and the late Katherine Davidson Rankins on September 21, 1948. She was united in marriage on August 1, 1964, to James Samuel Carr Jr., who preceded her in death.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Barron Frank Carr, and three brothers, William “Billy” Lackey, Gary F. Davidson, and Kevin “Winky” Rankins.
In 1964, Linda was one of The Four Trailblazers to integrate Statesville High School. Many years later, she was employed by Iredell-Statesville Schools both in Child Nutrition and as an Instructional Teacher Assistant. She often spoke about passing her love for reading to the students that she worked with. She retired from Iredell-Statesville Schools in 2002.
Mother Carr was a member of the Bibleway Church Headquarters. During her early years, she was a member of the Jubilee Gospel Singers, Usher Board, and a Sabbath School Secretary. She preached her first message as an Evangelist on May 26, 1984, under the leadership and guidance of Pastor E.J. Rowe.
Mother Carr held her first Bible study in Winston-Salem in the home of Sister Mae Speaks and Bro. Ruben Speaks on August 13, 1986. This Bible study eventually became Bibleway Church #11 in August 1987. She continued to labor in the ministry until 1999, when circumstances necessitated that the ministry close. She returned to serve in ministry at Bibleway Headquarters, where she was an Evangelist, Sabbath School Teacher, Mother, and served on the ministerial staff. She was an adept reader and prolific student of the Bible. She was an exceptional teacher with two sons following in this calling.
“Man and God’s Love for Him,” “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” and “I Have Felt Weary with My Journey But I Don’t’ Have a Mind to Give Up” were several of her early teachings while in the home mission. When she stood up to teach, she did so with fervor and passion. Her messages were relatable and gave all those who heard them strength and courage to fight on. One of her later messages, on November 20, 2010 was “Step Over Your Weakness and Grab Your Unseen Strength.” These messages will forever remain in our hearts.
Mother Carr was a spiritual mother to many. However, her most cherished title was Mama to the children that she was blessed to call her own. She taught them life lessons such as cleaning a house, sewing, cooking and baking her favorite desserts: pound cake and Aunt Faye’s famous banana pudding. Even in her illness, she often spoke about needing to get home to her “little people.” Mother Carr’s life symbolized “Home is where the heart is.”
She leaves to cherish the memory of her four sons, Darron A. (Tiffanie) Carr of Mooresville, Jamie D.
(Rubetta) Carr of Mebane, Brandon C. (Rosa) Carr Sr. of Statesville and Stefan M. Carr of the home; one daughter, Wanda Y. Carr of the home; one step daughter, Christine Taylor of Salisbury; a daughter-in-law, Tammy Carr of Rural Hall; four sisters, Brenda K. Rankins, Gwendolyn Rankins, Paulette Tucker (Clarence), Annette Boone; one brother, Marshall Rankins Jr.; five godchildren, Jamar Brown, Tasha
(Donnie) Corpening, Joself Daniels, Katrina Rankins, Doug (Angela) Corpening and Adrian (Beverly) Stewart; special friends, Carolyn Cuthrell, Sandra Harris and Charlene Gwyn (deceased); sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary is serving the family.