WHITEVILLE – Linda Ferguson McLam, 98, passed away Saturday, October 6, 2012.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Howard McLam.

Mrs. McLam was born February 18, 1914 in Murfreesboro NC, the daughter of the late Walter and Willie Ferguson.  She was the middle child of seven children, having had three older sisters and three younger brothers.

Following her graduation from Chowan College, Mrs. McLam moved to Columbus County in 1934 to become a teacher.  She lived at the Todd House in Tabor City and taught at Mt. Tabor School.  She later lived and taught in Forsyth County.  During World War II, Mr. and Mrs. McLam lived in Oak Ridge Tennessee, where Mr. McLam worked for the government in the facility that developed the Manhattan Project.

Following the war, the McLam’s moved back to the McLam farm in Whiteville with their two children Jessie Lee and Howard.  Mrs. McLam resumed her teaching at Williams Township, where she taught fourth through sixth grade until her retirement in 1976, following 36 years of service to the children of Columbus County.

Mrs. McLam was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, was a member of the choir, and directed bible school and church Training Union for many years.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and served as treasurer until the age of 95.  She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, RSVP, and the Granville Grays Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.   Mrs. McLam always had a smile for everyone she met.  Her positive attitude and strong work ethic were driving forces in her life.

Mrs. McLam is survived by her daughter, Jessie Lee McLam, of Oxford, NC, and her son, Howard and his wife, Faye, of Whiteville.  She is also survived by her grandson, Thomas and his wife, Kati,e of Whiteville, and a granddaughter, Rebecca and her husband, Chris, of Conway, SC.  Great grandchildren include Ellen and Emily McLam, of Whiteville, and Savannah and Abigail Williamson of Conway, SC.

Services will be held Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church with graveside services following at Peacock’ Columbus Memorial Park, Whiteville.

Memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 252 Rough & Ready Rd. Whiteville, NC 28472 or to the United Daughters of the Confederacy Headquarters, 610 Williamsboro St. Oxford, NC 27565.

Peacock Funeral Home of Whiteville, NC is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.net