"We wanted to do something because Linda was such a well-liked person. She would go out of her way to help other people," said Paschall. "If Linda had to choose between cleaning the house or writing a friend she'd usually write the friend."

They decided on a gift to the School of Dentistry because Jarvis had loved her work so much.

Paschall's stock gift of $50,000 to the Dental Foundation of North Carolina, Inc., along with donations made by Linda's friends, established the Linda Paschall Jarvis Memorial Scholarship.

Each year, the $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a student in the school's dental hygiene program. Selection will be based on academic performance, financial need and a letter of recommendation from a dental hygiene faculty member. Preference will be given to a third- or fourth-year dental hygiene student who is a graduate of Ashbrook High School in Gastonia or a student from Gastonia.

"We are honored that Mrs. Paschall has chosen to establish this permanent link between Linda and her alma mater," said John Stamm, dean of the School of Dentistry. "From all the wonderful things I've heard about Linda, it's obvious that her memory will live forever with the many people whose lives she touched, both personally and professionally.

"Now with the Linda Paschall Jarvis Memorial Scholarship, Mrs. Paschall has ensured that her memory will live forever in our school. This is a splendid tribute from a mother to her daughter."