Obituary
Linda Rosalind Sleeper White

Linda Rosalind Sleeper White, age 84, lover of Skip, extraordinary mother, and friend to all, died peacefully at home with her family on July 20, 2025. She was famous for her ability to love people in a way that made them feel safe, seen and understood and for creating a warm, welcoming home with a revolving front door. You never had to be invited to know you were welcome at her house.  Linda was born in Mt. Holly, New Jersey in 1941, one of two children born to George Howard Sleeper and Eleanor Rosalind MacKenzie Sleeper. She graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in 1958 and then attended Bucknell University and Katherine Gibbs.  Linda first met Skip at her own house in Mt. Holly where Skip was staying for the weekend as they both were attendants in a local wedding.  Linda’s father unexpectedly ended up in the hospital Friday evening and her mom asked her to make sure she made breakfast for their guest. Linda made Skip breakfast Saturday morning to which he commented that he preferred his eggs over-easy, not cooked over-well.  She proceeded to mention that maybe “he would rather wear them.” And dumped them on his head! Skip was immediately smitten and knew she was a force to be reckoned with! They were married in less than a year. Her devotion to Skip was an example to everyone who ever met them over their 64 years together. With mounds of energy and motivation, Linda birthed four daughters and utilized her gift of hospitality to teach them how to “bloom where they are planted” as she created cozy, creative homes for them in New York, Illinois, North Carolina, and Japan, while simultaneously helping Skip “bloom” in his career at IBM. Linda didn’t just love her daughters, she liked them and each one considered her their best friend.  After finally settling in Raleigh, Linda pursued her own career in Real Estate and partnered with Skip in enabling their daughters to receive the best education possible. And even “kept the peace” when two of the girls became Tarheels and two became members of the Wolfpack! While Linda’s first priority was always her family, her magnanimous personality drew her into her community to love on others through the Junior League in Raleigh, as PTA president, as a volunteer for the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels and the Food Pantry and as a member of the Church at Perry Creek.  Linda was passionate about entertaining and merrymaking and every holiday was an opportunity to love on her family, friends, church small groups and her children’s friends. Linda and Skip enjoyed games and their parties were never boring. Famous for their family New Year’s Eve Game Party, the girls were pool sharks by the time they were teenagers and were avid foosball, ping- pong, Jenga and Rummicub players. Linda and Skip  are both Bridge Life Masters, a skill which none of the girls have yet mastered. Linda could often be found dancing to Elvis in the kitchen with Skip or teaching one of the daughters how to do the “Twist”! Life with Linda was fun.  Linda’s love and devotion to all creatures fur or feathered manifested itself in a house that was habitually full of rescued birds, cats, dogs, possums, mice, geese, squirrels, hamsters, gerbils and even rats. She use to catch mice and keep them as pets in an aquarium. She personified Proverbs 12:10, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals”. Finally, Linda was the epitome of an indulgent Gramma, pouring into the next generation with her whole heart and soul. She treasured quality time with all 14 of her grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren who were the beneficiaries of her gift-giving love language, sweet treats in the pantry, card games and late night conversations. Linda is survived by her husband, Frank Hull White (Skip), daughters, Kimberly MacKenzie Mauzy (Courtney), Melinda Sleeper Coutts (David), Lauriston Holtz Meares (Ben), and one daughter who greeted her in heaven, Whitney Shelton Zinner (Cliff). She is also survived by 13 grandchildren-MacKenzie Grace (Scott), Courtney Roler, IV (Brittany), Shelton Pettyjohn (Ross), Mattison White, Molly Miriam, David Lyon, Savannah Sleeper, Cassidy Stiles, Sawyer Hull, Ben Miller (Jordan), Michael Lauriston (Taylor), Kate Rosalind, Mathis Lily and Joshua Skip who also greeted her in heaven. Linda has 6 great grandchildren-William, Rollins, Rosie Mae, Daisy, Elowyn and Skye. Other family include her two sister-in-laws, Uschi and Linda and 6 beloved nephews-Michael, Steve, Mark, Ty, KC and David. A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Christ Fellowship Leesville at 3:00pm. (13301 Leesville Church Road; Raleigh, NC 27617)  The family wishes to thank Katie Cox, Duke Hospice and all of Linda’s wonderful caregivers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution be made to Duke Hospice (www.gifts.duke.edu) or Purr Partners Feline Rescue (www.purrpartners.org).