Linda Lee Drummond, 60, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at 6:30 a.m. at her home with her family by her side. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt.
She was born on Oct. 24, 1961, at Lanier Hospital in Chambers County to Benny R. Lee and Eleanor Faye Lee (Thompson). Linda is survived by her husband David Drummond of Valley, Alabama of whom she was married to for 33 years, daughters Jordan Drummond of Atlanta and Mallory Drummond of Opelika, her mother Eleanor Faye Lee (Thompson) of Lanett, Alabama, sisters Abbey Lee and Benita Owens (David) both of Opelika, and niece Maggie Monroe and nephew Benjamin Owens also of Opelika.
A native of Opelika, Linda graduated from Opelika High School in 1980. Linda then attended Auburn University and graduated with a bachelors degree in accounting in 1984. She joined the staff of Georgia Federal Bank in Atlanta, Georgia in early 1985, progressing from Audit Assistant to Bank Officer and Audit Manager. Linda earned her CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation in May 1987, passing all four parts the first time.
In October 1990, Linda relocated back to her hometown and joined the staff of CharterBank. Linda created the bank’s first Internal Audit function and was instrumental in the early growth and development of CharterBank. In 2003, she transitioned into sales and commercial banking and was named Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for the Valley, Alabama and West Point, Georgia Markets. In November 2004, Linda accepted the position of Regional Manager for Lee County. Linda completed her career in 2016, after serving CharterBank for 26 years and as Lee County banking president for 14 years.
During Linda’s service with the bank, she was instrumental in helping customers and friends borrow, save, and meet various financial needs. As a commercial lender, Linda provided financial advice for numerous businesses throughout Lee County, helping many from start-up through growth and expansion. She was also a community leader, serving in various roles with local charities and civic organizations such as: Storybook Farms, Miracle League of East Alabama, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Opelika Chamber of Commerce. Linda also worked to create and lead the first Parkinson’s group of Lee County and helped members receive aid and knowledge on how to live with Parkinson’s.
To know her was undoubtedly to LOVE her. She was often referred to as an “Angel on Earth”. Her heart, love for others, kindness, compassion, tenderness, selflessness and friendship was completely unmatched. She never missed the chance to help someone in need be it her family, friends or a stranger on the street. Linda was always the first to rally the troops to give aid and support to whoever needed it, be it money, clothes, Christmas toys, food or in several cases a fur baby to help someone who was struggling.
Linda was also known as a bit of a “matchmaker”. Through the years she made several successful matches of couples. She had a way of understanding a person’s feelings and needs and finding a perfect match for them. Linda was the best girlfriend a girlfriend could have and most of her relationships have lasted for more than 40 years. She was loyal and true and could always be counted on for anything.
Over the years, Linda truly loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed family vacations and girlfriend trips to numerous locations: countless beach vacations, mountain getaways, lake weekends, Disney World, New York City, St. John, USVI, Italy, Mexico and cruising the Caribbean or just gathering on someone’s porch. She loved the holidays especially the annual Christmas Porch Tour party and the girlfriend Dirty Santa exchange. The most memorable thing about Linda was her smile and the way her eyes would light up and crinkle. She had an infectious laugh and if she was laughing, you couldn’t help but laugh with her.
Linda lived a full and joyous life and always had a good time no matter what she was doing. She did not want her family to mourn her death but to celebrate her life. So, at a later time, the family will do just that and remember the wonderful soul that was Linda…wife, mama, daughter, sister, aunt and friend and loved so very much but so many and will be greatly missed.
The family respectfully request, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.