Linda Lawson Safewright

Linda Lawson Safewright, of Burlington, NC, passed away peacefully after several years of failing health on March 4, 2026 at Brookdale Memory Care in Burlington, NC. Linda was born in Wythe County to the late Rev. Robert Eugene Lawson and Hazel Wright Lawson. She was also predeceased by sisters Helen (Peggy) Lawson Stumbo, Lois Lawson Akers, Alma Lawson McIntosh and Donna Lawson Good. Linda is survived by daughter, Ingrid Michelle (Missy) Safewright, whom she devoted her life to. She is also survived by sister Daris Lawson Ayers, of Ruckersville, VA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family offers our many thanks to Bobby Jo Safewright, of Max Meadows, VA, for his unwavering care, support and love for three years, making weekly trips to NC to help care for her and Missy. Our immense gratitude to Brookdale for her wonderful caregivers who loved her well while she was there; Beth LaRose, Sherry Wharton, Oksana Whitley, Tadja Evans, Mary Bryant, and especially Kermishia "Kay" Brown who went above and beyond taking her on outings on a regular basis to Cookout, Starbucks, City Park and just going on drives with her. Linda said that Kay was her “ride or die.” AuthoraCare Hospice of Burlington was such a comfort and became friends to us, as well as caregivers, helping us navigate this journey. We can’t thank Jillian Maricle and Charlotte Hoy enough for all they did for us. We couldn’t have made it through without you. They are angels in disguise.

Linda was the first in her family to graduate from college. She graduated from Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA and remained lifelong friends with some of her classmates. Linda began her banking career in Pulaski, VA. In the early 1990’s Linda moved to Greensboro, NC, and then to Burlington, NC to continue her career with Bank of America. She retired with over 40 years of service with Bank of America, ending her career as an Executive Vice President. She managed several branch offices, including Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, NC. During her banking career she received numerous designations and awards.

Linda had an immense love of the outdoors. She loved taking Missy to their place in Myrtle Beach, SC for many years as well as family vacations to Oak Island, NC. She loved biking on The New River Trail in VA as well as many hiking and camping trips in NC and VA with friends and family. Linda was a gifted and talented artist and had a beautiful voice that we will always remember. She received several awards in high school and college for her performances.

She also loved to travel with her niece, Elaine Barrow. Some of their trips were to Colorado, New York City, The Bahamas, Charleston, SC and to Williamsburg, VA to visit her nephew and his wife, Jeff and Heather Graham, sailing on his sailboat with them and for Christmas celebrations at their home.

Linda will be remembered for her love of life, her generosity, her witty personality and bringing joy to those around her. She was a fashionista that was always impeccably dressed, with her hair and makeup done perfectly.

There will be a private family burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers we would ask that you make a donation in her name to AuthoraCare Collective, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

At the beginning of her tribute video of pictures you can hear what a beautiful singing voice Linda had. Thanks, and much love to Nate Barrow, Ava Piland, and Jonah Barrow for their rendition of The Old Rugged Cross.