Linda Rich

Linda Louise Jolly Rich was born to the late magnificent Zelma Mae Jolly Pearl on February 24th, 1956.

Linda was raised by her mother and loving grandparents, Johnson and Jeanette Jolly, in the hills and mountains of McComas and Eccles, WV.

 From the first to the third grade, Linda attended the only school for black students in Mercer County, Morae Elementary School where Mrs. Tippy Lawson was both the Principal and Teacher of grades 1-6, and all six grades were taught in one room! The education she received from Mrs. Lawson equipped her for the challenge of integration, specifically when she attended her first integrated school at Pinnacle Elementary at the age of 9 years old. After Linda’s family relocated to Eccles, WV, she attended Eccles Jr High School and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Linda started her working career at Pine Crest Hospital. Ultimately, Linda had a diverse work history that ranged from positions in the medical field, restaurant industry,  school system, and  childcare. In hopes to pursue better career opportunities and to be closer to her family, she moved to Myrtle Beach, SC in the early 80’s where she lived with her husband and son until her passing.

The second of 9 siblings, Linda was always known for her jovial spirit and infectious laughter. She could often be found cooking amazing meals for the family and dancing until the sun came up. She was very well-known and loved in her community. She always had a smile on her face and was affectionately known by many as Granny, “GG,” “Sister-Cousin” and “Aunt Linda.” Linda was also a self-appointed fashion diva and Reunion Reporter. She would gladly and frequently announce and commentate all family events. She was the first and last person on the dance floor; out-dancing and out-partying all age groups! She brought life and brightness to every space she occupied.

In a chance encounter at a local dance, Linda met the love of her life, Junious Rich, the “singing taxidermist.” The two quickly fell in love and were married in an intimate wedding ceremony on February 3, 1992. She was the proud mother of two wonderful sons, Joseph Jolly, the oldest and Eric Mack the youngest. She was a very nurturing, protective, and doting mother who, in her eyes, her kids could do no wrong.  She had 4 beautiful grandchildren, Jame'la, Joseph Jr, Elijah, and Eric Jr. She had 3 “ great loves,” of her life, her great-grandchildren Jay Elle, Jenesis,  and Jamea.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Johnson and Jeanette Jolly, mother, Zelma Pearl; brothers Tommy and Joseph Pearl, sisters Deborah and Diane Pearl and grandson, Joseph Jr aka “JJ”.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Junious Rich, her sons, Joseph Jolly and Eric Mack, brother Timothy (Priscilla ) Pearl, sisters, Cecilia (Charles) Corum, Sherri (June) Bethea and Terri Pearl, beloved grandchildren,  great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of  relatives.

Linda Rich of Conway passed on September 15, 2021. There will be a visitation held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Friday, September 24, 2021, at Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Conway Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Rose Hill Memorial Garden in Conway. Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Conway Chapel will be assisting this family. 

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