Linda Riggsbee Richards

Linda Irene Riggsbee

May 20, 1947 – August 10, 2026

Linda Irene Riggsbee, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 10, 2026.

Linda was born on May 20, 1947. She was a graduate of Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina. She later married the love of her life, Jonah Wayne Porterfield, and together they had two children, Wendy and Jody.

Linda worked for many years at Union Carbide in Durham as a maintenance secretary. She was a hardworking woman who took great pride in her family and in making sure the people she loved were cared for.

Family was at the center of Linda’s life. She loved her children dearly and made sure they had plenty of fun and happy memories growing up. Weekends were often spent taking them to play ball and skating. She loved being surrounded by family and friends and was known for her generous heart.

Linda also loved to cook and had a special way of making sure everyone was fed. Her home and kitchen were places where people could always feel welcome. She was thoughtful and intentional when giving gifts, always taking the time to choose something she knew the recipient would love.

Linda will be remembered for her loving heart, thoughtfulness, generosity, and the many memories she created with the people she loved.

She was preceded in death by her father, Brack Riggsbee; her mother, Gladys Cheek; her husbands, Jonah Wayne Porterfield and Douglas Caswell Richards; her son, Jody Porterfield; and her brother, Bobby Riggsbee.

Linda leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Wendy Walker (Rusty); her grandchildren, Nicole McDuffie (Scott), Payton Beddingfield (Bailey), and Karley Porterfield; and her three great-grandchildren, Kelsey Chandler, Phillip Gillis, and Kaylee Gillis; brother Richard Riggsbee (Barbara); daughter-in-law, Karen Porterfield; niece, Noel Riggsbee; nephews Rick Riggsbee (Sharon), Robert Riggsbee, and Jamie Riggsbee, great grandnieces Alex Dagenhart and Taylor Henderlite, along with many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Though Linda is no longer with us, her love, laughter, generosity, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Lowes Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.