Gayle Lorraine (Armstrong) Ling

Gayle Lorraine Armstrong Kinney Ling June 3, 1950 ~ January 7, 2022

Gayle was born in Miami, Florida and passed peacefully surrounded by her children and virtually present grandchildren and close family members in Raleigh, North Carolina on Tuesday, January 7th, 2022 at 2:40 p.m. due to complications from Emphysema, COPD and Coronavirus. 

            Gayle was a beloved and cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Aunt, and Sister. She most recently was known for owning The Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop in Wake Forest from 1998 to 2013 where she was sometimes called “Rose”.  She was known and loved for her friendly generosity and kindness to humans and animals.  She raised many a stray critter and kid.  In her younger days, she loved to farm and have a garden. She was very frugile and thrifty by necessity raising five kids on very little.  We always had what we needed and learned to make something out of nothing and share with those that had less. 

            Gayle married Charles R Kinney, in 1967 and had three children, Maria Anne Kinney Snider, Charles Henry “Hank” Kinney (10/08/69 – 09/19/02), and Brandy Lorraine Kinney Hoppe.  In 1979, she married Thomas W Ling and they had Michael Walter Ling (living). And in 1985, she was blessed with Kristin Lianna Forsythe Gibson with her partner, Carl Forsythe (deceased). 

            Gayle is also survived by Granddaughter Rebecca Marie Snider (Maria’s daughter); Debra Green (Hank’s Widow), Granddaughter Samantha Kinney, her partner Thomas Harris and their newborn son, Great-grandson Charles Henry “Hank” Harris-Kinney; Jeromy Hoppe (Brandy’s Husband); Grandson David Burnette, Jr. and his wife, Faith Mursewick, their daughters, Great-granddaughters Davina and Vanessa Burnette, and Step-Great-grandsons Ryan and Jaxson; Grandson Chad Hoppe; Granddaughter Sarah Hoppe; Angela Ling (Michael’s wife), and Step-Grandson Alston Smith; Michael Ryall (Kristin’s partner) and Granddaughter  Danika Ryall; and several nieces and nephews. 

            Gayle was not involved in a specific religion, but she was very spiritual and truly believed in God and that our souls survive this existence. She was practical and loved passing along the things she learned.  She made a lot of notes to pass along to us. This one she made a point to put on the cover page of her journal, “This is not the end. This is not the beginning of the end.  This is not the end of the beginning.”  She also wrote, “When my children remember their childhood, I want them to remember that their mother gave it her all. She worried too much. She failed at times and she did not always get it right, but she tried her hardest to teach them about kindness, love, compassion and honesty.  Even if she had to learn it from her own mistakes, she loved them enough to keep going, even when it seemed hopeless, even when life knocked her down. I want them to always remember me as a woman who always got back up! I Love You All!” ~ Mom, Grandma Gayle

            We regret that these times warrant extra caution in gathering in memory of our loved ones.  Because we have dear family members in quarantine dealing with Covid, we are choosing to keep everyone safe by declining the viewing and having our Memorial Service in honor of Gayle Lorraine Ling by virtual Zoom call on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 at 7:oo p.m.  Please download the Zoom app to participate.  PLEASE NOTE:  THE ZOOM MEMORIAL HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO FURTHER COVID INFECTIONS!

            We will be having graveside services at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, 770 Stadium Dr. Wake Forest, NC 27587 on Friday, February 4th, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. and following that we will have a Celebration of Life on Friday, February 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at Brandy and Jeromy Hoppe’s house, 113 Dover Circle, Selma, NC 27576.  Please send a message through Facebook Messenger to let Brandy know if you are coming. 

            We appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers.  My mother would want you all to know that if she knew you, she unconditionally LOVED you!  We hope that you can participate with us in her memory. ~ Maria

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.