Linda L. (Hedrick) Barr

Linda Lee Barr, 86, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in her home, with her son, John, by her bedside. She was born in Petersburg, West Virginia, on September 26, 1939, to the late Loy Virgil Hedrick of the Princeton/Bluefield, West Virginia, area and Arletta Velma Ours Lease of Cumberland, Maryland.

Linda grew up in Petersburg with her parents, where they lived downtown on Water Street. As an only child, she enjoyed spending time with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially on her Uncle Leland’s family farm, where they worked and played together. She fondly remembered picking blackberries during the summer, walking the railroad tracks, and playing near the South Branch River.

She completed elementary school in Petersburg before moving to Cumberland, Maryland, with her mother. While attending Fort Hill High School, she was an avid photographer for the school yearbook and pursued the “commercial course” diploma track, which included typing, shorthand, and other classes that prepared her for work in an executive office setting. She graduated from Fort Hill High School in 1957, home of the Sentinels, whose colors are red and white.

After high school, Linda began her first job in Cumberland with the Nabisco Corporation, where she worked for eight years. In 1965, she moved to Washington, D.C., where her strong executive office skills led her to a position with Peoples Life Insurance Company in downtown Washington. Linda remained with the company until 1983, when it relocated to Durham, North Carolina. She moved with the company and continued working there until her retirement in December 1993.

Linda remained a vital part of the Durham community. She became a member of Grace Baptist Church, where she was nominated and confirmed as a church deacon. She was also involved in church operations and helped coordinate the Wednesday church luncheons. Linda loved bowling and participated in many Durham bowling leagues, earning multiple individual awards for women’s high scores, as well as championship awards with her teams. She also supported numerous organizations throughout the Durham area, including Durham County pet rescues.

Linda was a proud Christian and found the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. She continued her community and church involvement with Braggtown Baptist Church until the time of her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Loy Virgil Hedrick and Arletta Velma Ours Lease; her former husband, Ronald Wayne Barr, who passed away in May 2026; and her uncles, Wayne “Yokum” Hedrick and Clarence William Hedrick of Petersburg.

Linda is survived by her only son, John Derek Barr of Navarre, Florida; her cousins, Thad Ours, Larry Hedrick, and Hope Van Meter, all of Petersburg; as well as many other cousins, family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Funeral service will be on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Schaeffer Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 12 Noon till time of service.

Interment will be in the Brake Cemetery, Dorcas, WV.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.