Linda Marie Freeze Benge

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Marie Freeze Benge, who left us peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the age of 78. She is now in her eternal home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Linda was born on December 1, 1946, in Rowan County to Floyd and Sallie Parker Freeze. Linda was educated in the Rowan County School System and East Rowan High School where she was quite the basketball player. She graduated in 1965. She also attended Catawba College where she studied business and accounting. Linda was a beloved member of the community, known for her kindness, generosity, and love of the Lord. For over 40 years, Linda dedicated her life to the children of Nazareth Children's Home where she held many titles including Superintendent for 7 years and Director of Human Resources for 10 years. Linda also served as Secretary, Bookkeeper, House Parent and assisted in many other ways working directly with the children. Linda also served on the board for Rowan County DSS. She left a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Linda played a pivotal role in securing funding for the children's home over her many years of service, demonstrating her remarkable ability to rally support and resources when it mattered most. She developed special relationships with philanthropists throughout Rowan and the surrounding counties where her dedication and strategic vision were key in turning goals into reality. Linda was recognized by President George W. Bush, receiving the Point of Light Award as a faithful servant to the children of her community. The Salisbury Post also dubbed her Rowan County’s Mother Teresa in a news article. Linda was very instrumental in raising funds and support for the East Rowan (Saleeby-Fisher) YMCA where she served on its board. She was also a driving force in the refurbishing of the original children's home building, now Nazareth Community Church where she is a charter member. Linda had a passion for crosses, and she was known to hand them out to everyone she came in contact with as a way to share her faith. She loved all things birds and flowers. Linda is survived by her only child, Mark Benge and wife Debbie; granddaughter, Shelby Benge and wife, Kali; grandson, Mason Benge; Step-Grandchildren, Meagan Threatte and husband Joey; Matthew Corl and wife Ashley; Murphy Corl and fiancé Nicole; Great Grandchildren, Thaddeus (who preceded her in death) and Thatcher Threatte; Emery, Evelyn and Elinor Corl; Sutton Corl. Linda had a special relationship with one of her charges from Nazareth, Audrey Skipper, who was a faithful companion and was more like a daughter. The family appreciates Audrey and Linda’s cousin, Diane Davis, for stepping into the caregiver roles to allow Linda to remain in her home as long as possible as her health failed. Linda will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and her church family. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 2pm-3pm at Nazareth Community Church. A memorial service will be held at 3pm conducted by her friend and pastor, Mike Shoaf, with graveside services immediately following in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nazareth Community Church or the East Rowan YMCA. We invite all who knew and loved Linda to celebrate her life and legacy. Linda's spirit will forever remain in our hearts, and we will forever remember her sign off, "God Bless you, Honey". Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Benge family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Linda Marie Freeze Benge

December 1, 1946 - May 31, 2025