Linda Kay Lawley
October 26, 1951 - December 29, 2025
Linda Kay Lawley passed away early Monday morning December 29th, 2025. Born to Andrew and Ruby North in Van Buren, Arkansas, on October 26th, 1951, she grew up as the youngest of 10 children. She was 74 years old.
In her early life, Linda spent her childhood with her family and friends, canning fruits and vegetables from her family's garden. From an early age, Linda was taught the importance of a dedicated work ethic, and not only pursued it later in life, but also instilled that belief in her children and grandchildren.
Throughout her career, Linda worked for over 20 years at Campbell’s Canning Factory in Stockton. In addition, she worked as a local union hall representative. Linda dedicated herself and her time to her friends and coworkers, making it a priority to take care of those around her.
Stockton is where Linda began her independent life; caring for her family while building her career. Linda also made time for her hobby of collecting salt & pepper shakers. She collected over 950 individual pairs of salt & pepper shakers, either gifted from friends and family, or symbols of her many journeys and travels. Collecting was something that she loved deeply and shared with her family. She looked forward to holidays and birthdays to see what unique shakers she might be gifted. Her laugh and smile would light up a room as she unwrapped a new set of shakers.
Along with collecting salt & pepper shakers, Linda was a devoted Christian and spent many years with the Fellowship Church. She was dedicated to spending as much time as she could going to Bible Study, practicing the word of God, reviewing prayers, and sharing her love of God with her fellow church-goers. Learning and preaching the word of God is where she found the strength to endure any troubles she might face.
Throughout her later years of life, when her health began to decline, her faith in God and his plan never wavered. She was with God until her final moments and is with him now.
Linda leaves behind her two sons, James Lawley (Melissa) and Bradley Lawley (Cheryl).
Additionally, she is blessed with two step-daughters, Sandra Lawley, and Jean Lawley, 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Ruby North; her husband, Jay Lawley; and all of her siblings.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart...”(Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lawley family.
Please leave your condolences below.