Linda Lee Brinson

Linda Lee Brinson, age 81, of Merritt, North Carolina passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026 at Carolina East Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Born in Greenville, North Carolina, she spent most of her life in Pamlico County, a community she dearly loved. She was a graduate of Pamlico County High School and later earned her bachelor's degree from East Carolina University. She spent much of her professional career in banking before pursuing her lifelong goal of completing her college education later in life. Following graduation, she began a second career as a social worker with the Department of Social Services, where she served until retirement. No matter the role, she was known for her dedication, strong work ethic, and genuine care for others, earning the respect and affection of both colleagues and those she served.

Throughout her life, she was known for both her inner and outer beauty, always wearing the most genuine smile. Her kindness, compassion, and wonderful sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She had an incredible ability to find the silver lining in every situation and truly lived by the motto, "Life is Good." Above all, she loved her family wholeheartedly. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose greatest joy came from spending time with those she loved. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and few things brought her more happiness than watching them grow, cheering them on, and making memories together. She was deeply loved by her family and cherished by countless friends.

She found her greatest joy spending time with those she loved, especially on or near the water. She loved being "first mate," soaking up her treasured "bow time," and, in recent years, making memories while camping with family and friends at Cedar Island. She also appreciated the beauty of the North Carolina mountains—though she would be the first to admit she could have done without the winding roads and hiking. At home, she loved decorating and had an incredible eye for creating beautiful, welcoming spaces. HGTV was almost always on, and she never tired of dreaming up new ways to rearrange, redecorate, or make a house feel like a home. She loved a good game of Scrabble or Words With Friends and was famously difficult to beat, delighting in finding the highest-scoring words and just the right place to play them. A true eastern North Carolina native, she never lost her love for Pepsi-Cola and a good glass of "grape juice," two simple pleasures that always brought a smile.

She lived with grace, laughter, and unwavering love for the people around her, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, joy, and countless cherished memories.

Preceded in death by her mother and father, Vivian Dail Lupton and Jasper Ward Lee; and son-in-law, David Harold Paul (Jennifer). Survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 61 years, James Irvin Brinson; her daughters, Jennifer Brinson Paul and Amanda Brinson; grandchildren, Katie Hardison (Eric), Emily, Madison, Brice, and Sarah Davis; great-grandchildren, Easton and Evan Hardison, sister, Donna Davis (Don); brothers, John Wayne Lee (Barbara), Jasper Ward Lee, Jr. (Jean), Michael Lupton, and Kenneth Lupton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home and Crematory in Grantsboro, North Carolina at 11 am on Saturday, June 27, 2026, preceded by visitation at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Special thank you to Dr. Sarah Carrol and all the wonderful nurses and staff on 4100 at Carolina East Medical Center for their compassion and excellent care.