Linda Lu Mackintosh Watts Parks

Linda Mackintosh Watts Parks, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Elon, NC on January 28, 2024. She was born on February 12, 1943, in Paris, Tennessee to the late James Douglas Mackintosh, Jr. and Eleanor Watkins Mackintosh and was married for over 30 years to Mike Parks, who survives.  

Linda was raised in Burlington, NC where she was a graduate of Walter Williams High School, class of 1961.  Education played a significant role in Linda's life as she earned both a Bachelor's degree from Queens College in Charlotte and a Master's Degree from West Georgia University. She then went on to teach middle school while living in Georgia.  She raised her family for over 20 years in Marietta, GA before spending 20 years at their beloved beach, Oak Island.  

Linda was also the proud owner of a needlework shop where her skills and creativity in needlework brought joy to all who came across her beautiful creations. Linda possessed an artistic spirit that flourished through various hobbies and interests.  Linda was also a proud member of the P.E.O. sisterhood, that focused on providing educational opportunities to female students on a global scale. She was also an avid golfer and spent many hours on the fairway.  But Linda’s most cherished times were the times spent with her family.   

Linda is survived by her loving husband Mike Parks, daughter Emily Watts McGrady and her husband Kyle, caring son Le Watts, stepsons Michael Parks and Matthew Parks and wife Jana, grandchildren SGT James Duncan McGrady and his wife Caitlin, Melanie McGrady, Eduardo Parks and Maria Parks, great-grandson Greyson McGrady. She is also survived by her sister Charlotte Mackintosh Edens and brother Mic Mackintosh. Preceding Linda in death were her parents J.D. Mackintosh, Jr. and Eleanor Watkins Mackintosh, brother Jim Mackintosh III, and niece Michie Edens. 

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:30 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Lowe Funeral Home.  There will be a graveside service to celebrate Linda’s life at 2:00PM on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Pine Hill Cemetery by Rev. Carrie Tuttle.  

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society; donate.cancer.org.