Linda “Tootsie” Carden was born on October 2, 1943, to William Stone and Susie Cothran in Durham, North Carolina. As a small child, she earned the nickname “Tootsie” from her Aunt Margaret, who said the little curl on top of her head looked just like a Tootsie Roll. To family and friends, she was lovingly known as either “Tootsie” or “Nannie.”

She grew up on her grandpa’s farm, where she discovered her love for fresh tomatoes, country ham, and helping her grandmother in the kitchen — the beginning of a lifelong passion for cooking.

While living with her Aunt Mrs. Hunt in Durham, Tootsie met the love of her life, John “Baby” Carden, at just 19 years old. It was love at first sight. Not long after, Baby told her to “get in the truck,” and together they drove to South Carolina to get married, the start of a beautiful marriage that would last 52 years.

Throughout her life, Tootsie held many jobs, but she was best known for her time making biscuits at Jimmy’s Grill on the corner of Umstead Road and Guess Road in Durham, NC. If you ever stopped by Jimmy’s, there’s a good chance she still remembered you, and your order, decades later.

Her love of cooking went far beyond Jimmy’s Grill. She poured her heart into every meal she made for family and friends, known especially for her biscuits, milk gravy, chocolate pie, and pineapple cake. But even more than her cooking, Tootsie was known for her kindness, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel like family. Her gentle spirit and warm smile left a lasting mark on everyone she met.

Tootsie and Baby shared one daughter, Kim Carden, and one granddaughter, Haleigh D’Adamo — the lights of their lives. Their home was always open, filled with laughter, love, and “extra kids” who were welcomed as part of the family.

In June 2024, Tootsie moved to Minnesota with her granddaughter Haleigh, where she spent her final days surrounded by love. She passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the Masonic Home of Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Wayne “Baby” Carden, and their daughter, Kimberly Carden. She is survived by her granddaughter, Haleigh D’Adamo; nieces, Brenda Rigsbee and Mary Gaydou; her “chosen daughters,” Crystal Bowers and Debbie Jacobs; and her great-granddog, Jaxx.

A private celebration of her life will be held in North Carolina by family.

Tootsie will be remembered for her boundless love, her selfless heart, and the joy she brought to everyone lucky enough to know her.