Linda Kay Conkin

Linda Conkin, 85, of Kingsport, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, after a period of declining health. Linda was born, raised and lived in this area her entire life. Her passion was her family and supporting music education.

Linda was a living testament to God's love, embodying a true servant's heart. She selflessly dedicated her time and talents to her church, playing piano, leading the children's choir, organizing Christmas programs and Vacation Bible School, and so much more. Linda's special touch was felt in every role she took on, driven by her love for God and people. Her passion for music extended beyond the church, as she taught piano lessons for many years.

Her calling to serve led her to the Sullivan County School system, where she formed deep connections with the special needs children she assisted until her retirement.

Linda had many hobbies. Linda's love for nature and sports was evident in her annual vacations to Emerald Isle, North Carolina, and weekends spent fishing on the lake, often out-fishing her husband, Mike. She also loved watching and collecting birds – including special decoys from Harker's Island.

She had a competitive side, too, and was a devoted fan of University of Tennessee football and the Lady Vols. Her culinary skills were legendary, with her hot dog chili drawing crowds to the Sullivan VFW baseball games and her ham salad being a favorite at the Sullivan West fire hall.

Above all, Linda cherished her family, always making them feel special with her thoughtful gestures and picture-perfect holiday meals. She poured her heart into serving others, touching many lives with her love and kindness. Linda was many things to many people, and everything she did was done with love.

In her later years, Linda's beautiful smile and special touch continued to touch hearts and build bonds with her special nurses and caregivers. Her biggest smiles, though, came from visits with family, and daily visits with her loving husband, Mike, and her very best friend, her Goldendoodle J.D. J.D. understood her like no one else and kept her company, sharing her love for people and bringing joy to others.

Survivors include her loving husband, Mike; son, Ben Conkin and wife, Kindle; her best buddy and grandson, Seth Conkin; special grandchildren, Elijah and Izzie; sister, Margaret Gurkin and husband, Lewis; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 5:00-7:00pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Lisa Bryant officiating.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:00am at East Lawn Memorial Park. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Music School, Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219. Your donations will provide free tuition and instruments for students participating in the annual music school, regardless of their ability to pay.