Linda Hope Dillon

Linda Hope Dillon, age 82, of Joppa, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Born in Washington, North Carolina, Linda was the beloved daughter of the late Merlin Alfred Midgette and Eloise (Keech) Midgette. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert Dean Dillon, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage.

Linda spent her early life living on a farm, growing up with humble beginnings. Though her family had little in material wealth, she often said she never knew she was poor, as their home was filled with love. She shared a close bond with her four siblings, cherishing those relationships throughout her life. Family was always at the center of her world—vacations were spent visiting loved ones, and later, she gave up her job to care for her treasured grandsons.

Linda was a warm, selfless woman, remembered by all who knew her as the sweetest person they had ever met. She was proud to be part of her husband’s family real estate business, where she acted as landlord, including the Dillon family apartment building which was converted from a church. She was very successful in life, despite her modest beginnings.

A woman of many talents, Linda loved gardening—both flowers and vegetables, cake decorating and baking Christmas cookies which many family and friends looked forward to each year. She also created beautiful pieces of stained glass, which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Betty Tate and Ruby Respass.

Linda is survived by her loving daughters, Patricia Whittington and Cynthia (Barry) Langley; her cherished grandsons, Daniel Whittington, Matthew (Thecla) Whittington, and step-granddaughter Amy Bowen; and her adored great-granddaughter, Magnolia Hope Whittington and step-grandchildren Anna Andrews, Angelo Moore, Michele Moore, Lily Moore and Bella Moon. She is also survived by her sister, Nola (Alston) Dunbar; her brother, Alfred (Kathy) Midgette; along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Her legacy is one of unconditional love, dedication to her family, and a life lived with kindness. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She will be buried alongside her husband’s side at Pamlico Memorial Gardens in Washington NC, ending up where their love for one another began. An upcoming celebration of Linda’s life will be held in North Carolina, the exact date to be determined.