Linda “Sam” Swain Abeyounis | Eastern NC Now

    Ms. Linda "Sam" Swain Abeyounis, age 74, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by so much love and felt all of the many prayers and well-wishes from her family and friends.

    Linda was born in Washington, North Carolina on March 19, 1947. She was the daughter of the late Junius Ray Swain and Emma Lila Holland. Linda is survived by her sons, Linwood "Lenny" Wallace, of Apex, NC; Dustin Wallace, of Norfolk, VA; and Matthew Wallace, and wife Rachel, of Portsmouth, VA; one grandchild, Genesis Wallace, of Newport News, VA; one sister, Kathy Godley; two brothers, Charles "Danny" Swain, and wife Sherrie; and Junius "Junior" Swain, all of Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also cherished an over 50-year friendship with Judy Ridgway, of Canton, OH, who was like a sister to her. In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond W. Abeyounis, and sisters Elizabeth "Libby" Swain Davenport, and Carolyn Swain.

    Linda attended Mother of Mercy Catholic School from Kindergarten through Junior High. During high school, Linda played clarinet in the Washington High School Band. After high school, she and some friends moved to Hampton, VA, where she lived for most of her life. While in Virginia, she gained countless friends and family members and was very involved in her boy's school activities. She was also a lifetime member and former Treasurer of the Fox Hill Volunteer Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary, as well as a member of the Virginia State Firefighter Auxiliary.

    Nobody was immune to her charm and humor and she truly never met a stranger. During her recent hospital stay, she quickly became the favorite patient. Nurses and doctors came from other floors to visit her daily. If you knew Linda, you knew she had a sense of humor like no other and you could always count on her for a laugh. Everyone knew not to say the word "Crazy" around her, otherwise you would most likely be treated to her own rendition of Patsy Cline. She used "Sam" as her nickname and thoroughly enjoyed giving others special nicknames as well.

    In more recent years she spent her time watching murder mysteries, working puzzles, playing games, shopping for bargains, and listening to her police scanner (she loved to get firsthand scoop on what was happening around town!). Following in the footsteps of her father, she also loved to play the piano. She thrived during the Christmas season, which lasted a few extra months in her home. She was the joy in Christmas and loved to spread holiday cheer. The only thing she loved more than Christmas was her three boys, and she made sure they knew it.

    To all who knew and loved her, "bless your heart" and please enjoy the beauty and magic of the Christmas season in her memory. Per Linda's request, please wear some of your Christmas attire to the visitation.

    The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington, NC and other times at the home of her sister, Cathy Godley, 1402 Nicholson Street, Washington. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 3, at Oakdale Cemetery, Washington, conducted by Dr. Greg Barmer.

    In lieu of flowers, Linda requested donations be made to the Dorothy G. Hoefer Comprehensive Breast Center, 11803 Jefferson Ave., Suite 130, Newport News, VA 23606. She was very grateful for the care and support she received while being treated for breast cancer there several years ago.