Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

LINDA Marie Moore was born on August 14, 1947, and departed this life on March 28, 2023. She was the only child of and predeceased by Calliope Daye and Alma G. Hart. She was also predeceased in death by the Rev. Felix Winston Polly III, Esq. Although born in Durham, NC, LINDA grew up in the red clay of Bahama, NC, where she attended schools in the Durham Public School System. She went on to pursue her Bachelors in Sociology at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and her Master of Education from Marshall University. Upon graduation, she began her teaching career in Raleigh County, at Trap Hill Middle School. She went on to impact young minds at Park Jr. High, Beckley Jr. High, and Beckley-Stratton Middle. Through the years she took part in many educational initiatives, even serving a small stent on the Raleigh County School Board. After teaching for over 35 years, she retired from her final position with the county as an Academic Coach, but as LINDA Polly does, not all the way. She continued to serve Raleigh County Schools as a Read-A-Loud Volunteer (a National Organization) for Beckley Elementary. Outside of the educational system, she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Retired Teachers Association, Beckley Area Foundation, and Maids and Matrons. She also joined Beckley’s Women’s Club, where she was inducted as the first African American President in May 2009.

During the summers, she can be remembered teaching Vacation Bible School at both Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and Central Baptist Church, where she had also served as the church clerk. Although she loved and had a passion for teaching and her community, she also couldn’t do without her crafts! She spent hours on YouTube Watching “Maymay Made It Crafts” and getting new ideas for any type of project -- that was her joy. She kept HSN in business during “Craft Days”! Doing a “just because” craft gift showed her giving spirit. She loved to make people smile, whether it was a home-made card or making them laugh. Her innate spirit of knowing people and giving them the “warm fuzzies” made her happy. LINDA was loved by many and left a legacy of being thoughtful, caring, truthful and funny. She stood up for others and believed deeply in doing the right thing. She was a great mother, teacher, and friend. She will be truly missed. LINDA, leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Danell Diggs (Jeffrey Diggs), Duywuna Millner (Jamil Millner), and Felizia Polly; grandchildren, Joscelyn Polly (Maria Polly), Jeffrey Diggs, Jr., Khāyana Millner, Jamil Millner, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Corbin Diggs, Amiri Rogers. And a host of extended family and friends. Funeral service will be 11:00AM Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Central Baptist Church 197 Brooks St. Beckley with Pastor Franklin Hairston officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.