Linda Jane Murray

Linda Jane Murray, a devoted nurse, a talented artisan, a loving mother and a woman of adventure, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and raised in Kinston, Linda was a natural caregiver. She dedicated her life to the heart—both literally and figuratively—as a cardiac nurse. Her career spanned decades of service at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Mission Hospital, eventually concluding her professional journey at Heart Path in Asheville. Her patients knew her as a steady hand and a warm presence; Linda truly believed she was born to take care of others.

Outside of the hospital, Linda was a true explorer. Whether she was hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains or rafting down the Colorado River, she met the world with courage and energy. Her travels took her from the glaciers of Alaska to the historic streets of Europe and the shores of Hawaii.

When she wasn’t exploring, she was creating. Linda was a gifted crafter whose needlepoint, quilts, and handmade cards remain as tactile reminders of her eye for beauty. Perhaps most indicative of her joyful spirit was her graduation from clown school, where she developed her persona, “Sunflower”—a role that perfectly captured her desire to bring laughter to everyone she met.

Linda is survived by her son, Chris Jones, and his wife, Evadora; her two grandsons, Ryan and Reed; and her brother, James, and his wife, Patricia. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Ryan Patrick, and her granddaughter, Evadora Grace.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on June 13th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Groce Funeral Home, 72 Long Shoals Rd, Asheville, NC. The family invites those who wish to attend a celebration of life BBQ supper to be held at the Chestnut Mountain golf club. The festivities will be held in the Laurel Room starting at 430pm. The address is 88 Country Club Dr., Mills River, NC.

In accordance with her wishes, Linda will be cremated. Her ashes will be spread at Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway, reuniting her with her son Ryan, and at the beach she so loved to frequent when she was well. Her adventurous spirit now returns to the mountains and the sea she cherished.