Linda Stokes Erwin

Linda Stokes Erwin, 87, of Arden, passed away on February 17, 2026. Born in Stanly County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Margaret Newsom Stokes. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Newton Erwin, Jr., and her sisters, Aleene Branson and Betsy Butts.

She attended Brevard College before transferring to Mars Hill College where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree. It was while in Brevard that she met Charles Newton Erwin, Jr., who would later become her husband. She became the director of the child-care center at Blue Ridge Community College.

Strong and independent, she was the most loving, caring and nurturing mother. She enjoyed animals and never turned away a stray. She also enjoyed working with stained glass, stamping, working in her flower garden and cross-stitch, but her greatest love was for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her loving survivors include her children: Susan Wait, Sally Johnson (Kenneth) and John Erwin (Beth); grandchildren: Stokes Wait, Hannah Wait, Sam Wait, Addy Wait, Maggie Brewer, Charles Johnson, SallyAnne Johnson, Grace Erwin and Sarah Erwin; and great-grandchildren: Charlie Johnson and Hazel Ball.

Service arrangements for Linda Erwin will be announced in the coming days.

As an alternative, the family suggests either flowers or a memorial donation be made in the name of Linda Erwin to either St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or The SPCA , 379 Ross Rd, Brevard, NC 28712

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.