Linda Taylor Balcombe, age 82, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 2, 1943, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Linda was raised in Ivanhoe, NC. She lived a life marked by unwavering faith and devotion to her Savior Jesus Christ, extraordinary love for her family, and remarkable creative gifts and talents. She was a woman whose presence brought warmth, beauty, laughter, and comfort to all those fortunate enough to know her.

Linda shared a beautiful marriage of 64 years with her beloved husband, Sidney C. Balcombe, Jr. whom she met and dated since her freshman year of high school. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, commitment, and enduring love. Their marriage was an amazing and extraordinary testament to devotion, perseverance, and the blessings that come from walking through a life hand in hand focused on God above all.

More than anything else, Linda reflected the unconditional love and immense compassion of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was not merely something she believed; it was something she lived. Through her kindness, generosity, grace, and genuine concern for others, she touched countless lives and demonstrated the love of Christ in tangible ways every day.

Linda was exceptionally gifted and talented. A self-made designer, decorator, and accomplished seamstress, she possessed a remarkable eye for beauty and detail. Her creativity was evident in everything she touched. Her exceptional talents are particularly evident in the beautiful home she personally designed herself and shared with Sidney during the last twenty years of her life - a home that reflected her vision, talent, and love for family.

Those who knew Linda will remember her extraordinary ability to truly listen to others, her wonderful sense of humor, her warmth, and her ability to make all who met her feel welcome and valued. She was down-to-earth and approachable while simultaneously possessing a natural dignity, elegance, and class. She carried herself with grace throughout every season of life. Blessed with exceptional physical beauty, Linda remained strikingly beautiful throughout her life, but those who loved her most knew that her inner beauty far surpassed her outward appearance.

Above all earthly treasures, Linda fiercely loved her family. Her greatest joy came from nurturing, encouraging, and caring for those she loved. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a delighted great-grandmother. Her family was her treasure, and she never missed an opportunity to express her love and pride in each of them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy and held a particularly special place in her heart.

Linda is survived by her most beloved husband of 64 years, Sidney C. Balcombe, Jr who lovingly attended to her every need throughout her life.; her daughter, Wendy Balcombe Johnston (and son-in-law, Mitch Johnston); her son, Richard Taylor Balcombe; her grandchildren, Sydney Taylor Harris (Josh Mills), Morgan Harris Garvey (Zach Garvey), and Tyler Garrison Balcombe (Jessica Balcombe); her great-grandchildren, Issac Balcombe and Hope Garvey; her sister, Cecile Barnhill Crouch; numerous cherished nieces and nephews; and her special cousin and lifelong friend, Pat Tyson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Wilbur Taylor, Charlotte Taylor Colvin, and step-father Yates Colvin; as well as her sister, Jean Taylor Bloodworth.

While her family deeply mourns her absence, they find comfort and hope in knowing that Linda is now in the presence of the Savior she loved so faithfully. Her legacy of faith, compassion, creativity, strength, beauty, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service to celebrate Linda’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Quinn McGown Funeral Home in Wilmington. Burial will be private at Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171