Mrs. Linda Carroll Hayes Thompson, 78 of Charlotte, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Novant Presbyterian Hospital, Harris Hospice.  Linda was born on October 10, 1944 in Chester County, South Carolina.  Linda was the daughter of the late Clinton Hayes and Dollie Nichols Hayes.

Linda gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, South Carolina.  Linda was a dutiful and active member of Calvary and served on the Madison Worthy Usher Board and as President of the Senior Choir.

Linda was a graduate of the Finley Senior High School Class of 1963.  She continued her education at Edwards Waters College, as well as Winthrop University where she studied Business and Education.  Linda was employed with Springs Industries where she was one of the first African Americans to serve in a management role.  She was also employed as a Field Executive with Girl Scouts of the USA/Piedmont Area Girl Scout Council.  During her time with Girl Scouts, she covered four territories that included Chester, Union, Gaffney, and Cherokee Counties, as well as serving thousands of girls and hundreds of troop leaders and other volunteers.  Linda was awarded The Thanks Badge which is the highest adult aware in Girl Scouting.  Linda would later serve as a Memorial Counselor with Dignity Memorial, Crown Memorial Park, and the Alderwood Group.

Linda was very active in the community of Chester.  She served as a substitute teacher; she was a member of the Etta L. Standback Federated Club and was the Director of the Miss Black Chester County Pageant.

Grandmother, as she was fondly called by her grandchildren, loved attending events with her grandchildren, as well as traveling with them, and texting with them on phone.  Linda was a diehard Carolina Panther's fan, but still had an allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys.  She was a avid flower gardener and was always providing tips and tricks on how to grow flowers.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton Hayes, Dollie Nichols Hayes; brothers, Quinzelle Hayes, Joseph "Buddy" Hayes, James "Peter" Hayes and Donald "Donnie" Hayes; sisters-in-law, Gloria Hayes, Joyce Hayes, and brother-in-law, Albert Allen.

Linda was a loving mother and grandmother.  She leaves behind fond memories to her daughters, Rachel F. Thompson, Valencia T. Banks; granddaughter, Ava Symone Banks; grandson, James W. Banks III; and son-in-law, James W. Banks, II.

Linda also leaves her legacy of life to her family, sisters, Edena Allen, Darlene Tindal; brothers, Charles Hayes, Wallace Hayes; sisters-in-law, Paulette Hayes, Carol Hayes; brother-in-law, Herman Tindal; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, caring church members, community, and friends.