SWANSBORO  -  Linda Carol Pearce, 78, of swansboro passed away Monday, January 19, 2026.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at First Baptist Church Swansboro, with Rev. Luke Brakefield officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park in Newport.

She was born July 22, 1947, in Kinston, NC, to the late Floyd and Betty Lou Wiggins Hilsinger.

Mrs. Pearce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who found her greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. She loved gathering at home, sipping sweet tea, playing Yahtzee, rooting for the Carolina Panthers, and listening to '80s music. She worked in the office at Jones Funeral Home, served her community, and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Swansboro, where she sang in the choir.

She shared a special bond with her twin sister, Mary Hutchins of Swansboro. She is also survived by sisters Donna King (Andy) of Ecuador and brother Glen Hilsinger (Sherry) of Cape Carteret.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Roland "Buddy" Pearce Sr.; brother Robert Hilsinger; nephew Lee Downey; and grandson Zack Miller.

Survivors include her children, James R. Pearce Jr. of Swansboro, Tina Miller of Jacksonville, and Tracy Conklin (Alan) of Charlotte. Being their mother meant the world to Linda.

Linda was the proud grandmother of Evan, Zack, Caroline, Laken, Emma, Matthew, Gabrielle, and Pearce, and great-grandmother of Lilly, Azalea, Raine, Asher, and Penelope. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her warmth and playfulness.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crystal Coast Hospice House. https://crystalcoasthospicehouse.org/