Linda Lou Carter

Linda Lou Carter, 86, of Forest, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Born on November 20, 1939, in Lynchburg, VA, she was the daughter of the late Malcolm Montrose Thurston and Louise Pugh Thurston. Linda was a retired Office Manager of Thurmetco.

Linda was a truly generous and kind woman whose quiet compassion and genuine spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She routinely sent donations to organizations supporting our Veterans and animal rescues. She had a remarkable way of making people feel cared for and loved, and her warmth was evident from the moment you met her. Linda and her husband found great joy in weekly movie dates, watching Westerns at home and in spending time outdoors, especially hiking the many beautiful trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains together.

She also had a deep love for animals, particularly golden retrievers and wolves. Linda’s nurturing nature was reflected in every part of her life, including her passion for tending to her flower gardens and bird houses. She had a special talent for growing beautiful roses, many of which were originally part of the Old City Cemetery. She particularly loved when Cardinals and hummingbirds visited her feeders.

Linda will be remembered for her gentle heart, selfless nature, and the love she so freely gave to her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Douglas Carter, Jr of 60 years.

Linda leaves behind her two children, Bradley Douglas Carter (Marian) and Sherry East; one brother, Malcolm Glenn “Mac” Thurston; six grandchildren, Taylor, Kevin, Lindsay, Kristen, Katie and Jason; and seven great-grandchildren, Makayla, Delmar, Austin, Angelina, Daniel, Hannah, and Christian.

To honor Linda’s wishes, no services will be held at this time.

If anyone wishes to make memorial donations in Linda’s honor, please consider Lynchburg Humane Society or Wounded Warriors.