Linda Lee Roper, age 83, a resident of Brookdale of Forest City passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.  
Our precious Godly mother found her crossing place into Heaven where there is no pain, no Alzheimer's disease, she has a new home, a new body, and a new mind. What a great mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister and friend she was.
Linda was a faithful member of Mountain Creek Baptist Church until her health wouldn't allow her to attend.  She was born December 30, 1942 in Rutherford County to the late Ernest Lee and the late Estelle Ruppe Lee. She was raised by Hubert and Anabel Melton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Lib Bailey and two granddaughters Olivia and Lydia Ford.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Ford and her husband Wally of Rutherfordton, her son, David Roper and his wife Lisa of Rutherfordton, one sister, Judy Harrill and her husband Ray of Hendersonville, one brother, Gary Melton and his wife Shirley of Ellenboro, five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, January 12, 2026 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Holly Springs Baptist Church at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 with Reverend Scott Moneyham, Reverend Eric Brigman and Reverend Brian Blanchette officiating. Linda will lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Brookdale Memory Care Unit; 493 Piney Ridge Road; Forest City, NC 28043. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory in charge of arrangements.