Linda Mae Honaker Henderson Hiatt

Linda Mae Honaker Henderson Hiatt

July 1, 1947 - November 8, 2026

Linda Mae Honaker Henderson Hiatt, age 79, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on November 8, 2026, with the care and support of hospice.

Linda was born on July 1, 1947, in Bluestone, West Virginia, to Eugene Honaker and Kathleen Wise Honaker. She was the oldest daughter in a family of eight children. Although born in West Virginia, Linda grew up in Kernersville, Walkertown, and Walnut Cove areas of North Carolina, where she spent much of her life building relationships, raising her family, and making lasting memories.

Linda married her high school sweetheart, James Wesley Henderson, Jr., affectionately known as "Buck." Together they shared 29 years of marriage and raised three children: James Henderson III (Carrie), Stephanie LeFever (Rick Wolff), and David Henderson (Charlotte). Buck preceded her in death in 1993.

Following Buck's passing, Linda found love again when she married Larry Wayne Hiatt. They shared 23 years together before Larry's passing in 2023. Larry became much more than Linda's husband; he became part of the family, loved and embraced by her children, grandchildren, and those closest to her. He held a special place in their lives, and the years they shared together were an important and cherished chapter in Linda's story.

Family was at the very heart of Linda's life. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family, especially during family gatherings when everyone could come together. She was a proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren: James (J.W.) Henderson, IV, which preceded her in death; John Derek Henderson (Megan); Joey Henderson; Jimmy LeFever (Eliane); Amy LeFever; Drew LeFever; Leah LeFever (Brenton); Kaley Francisco (Ryan); Kori Henderson (Alex); Kamryn Henderson; Mason Kirkpatrick; and Arabella Henderson. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren, who brought another generation of love and joy to her family.

Linda's faith was the foundation of her life. She was a longtime member of Gospel Light Baptist Church for more than 30 years, where she faithfully attended Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening services and served as a Sunday School teacher.

Later, Linda became a devoted member of Freeman Street Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, where she worshipped for approximately 25 years. It was there that she met her second husband, Larry. At Freeman Street, Linda continued serving the Lord through teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and faithfully attending church. Her love for the Lord was evident not only in her church attendance and service, but in the way she lived her everyday life.

Linda knew how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. She loved people, welcomed others with an open heart, and found joy in helping those around her. She believed in showing God's love through kindness, compassion and service to others. Her faith wasn't simply something she talked about; it was something she demonstrated through the way she treated people and the love she extended to everyone she encountered.

Linda spent many years working in retail management at a clothing store in Kernersville, originally known as The Jean Barn and later renamed Clothes Wearhouse. She genuinely enjoyed working with people and helping customers. Her natural ability to connect with others and her desire to be of help made her well suited for a career centered around serving people.

Linda also believed it was never too late to pursue a goal or learn something new. At the age of 40, she earned her GED, demonstrating her determination and commitment to personal growth. Later in life, she enjoyed working as a substitute teacher at the Arts Based School, where she especially loved spending time with children, encouraging them, and helping them learn. Whether working with customers, teaching children, serving in her church, or spending time with family, Linda found fulfillment in making a difference in the lives of others.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Honaker and Kathleen Wise Honaker; her husbands, James Wesley "Buck" Henderson Jr. and Larry Wayne Hiatt; her grandson, James (J.W.) Henderson IV; and her siblings, Jerry Honaker, Carlotta Pinnix, and Chub Honaker.

She is survived by her three children, James Henderson III (Carrie), Stephanie LeFever (Rick Wolff), and David Henderson (Charlotte); eleven surviving grandchildren, John Derek Henderson (Megan), Joey Henderson, Jimmy LeFever (Eliane), Amy LeFever, Drew LeFever, Leah LeFever (Brenton), Kaley Francisco (Ryan), Kori Henderson (Alex), Kamryn Henderson, Mason Kirkpatrick, and Arabella Henderson; nine great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Rita Schutt, Luona Alcorn, Skip Honaker, and Ann Wall. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, special friends, and her cherished Freeman Street Baptist Church family.

Linda leaves behind a legacy of faith love, service, and devotion to family. She will be remembered for her love of the Lord, her generous heart, her willingness to help others, and the joy she found in bringing her family together. She lived her faith by loving others, serving wherever she was needed, and making people feel welcomed and cared for. Though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the example she set will live on in the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home in Kernersville, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Freeman Street Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A graveside service will follow at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown, North Carolina, where Linda will be laid to rest alongside both of her beloved husbands.

Those wishing to honor Linda's memory may send flowers to Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home in Kernersville, North Carolina, in care of the family.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook online at www.piercejeffersonfh.com