Reflections 

"You don't know who is important to you until you actually lose them." That is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi. My mother was a very important person to me. Not just as a parent, but as a teacher, role model, and even friend. There were many of times my mother and I were at odds, but there were also times where we were inseparable, good times that I reflect on and remember just how much love there was between us. For my entire life, she was all I knew and all I had. It felt like it was us against the world until the world turned us against each other. She would always say while scolding me, "You're going to miss me when I'm gone" I used to think to myself, "well of course", but I never really knew what she meant. I really wish I had. After my mother had fallen ill and was moved to a nursing facility, there were many of people, strangers, and friends, who would approach me telling me stories about how she used to give boxes of snacks and treats to the neighborhood kids, how she would mentor other children my age, the times that she would be of help to those around her. This didn't come as a surprise, but it also did as well, because although these tales sounded like the mother I knew she was capable of being, it was not the one I had came to know. Our relationship was complicated, to say the least, but it was ours, and despite everything, I wouldn't have asked for a different mother. Where others may have judged her for what they saw as her parental failures, I see where she succeeded as my mother. I say I loved her to you all, and I love you to her.

First to her son and my grandson, Martin, her mother Beatrice (Sister B), sister Donna, brothers Tyrone and Albion, aunts, uncles, and other siblings, I share the grief and the pain at Linneth’s passing.  She suffered for long and our Creator said on August 9, “Come home and be with Me in Paradise.” Linneth's academic achievements speak volumes of her quest for higher learning and will ever be remembered in most of our memories.

To my Grandson - the torch has now been passed on to you.  It is up to you to take it and run with it.  The call is yours!  I would like to see you succeed and keep the flag flying high. Please, family members, everyone pray for Martin during these perilous times of grief and pain.

Her loving Father,

Bernard Thomas

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My Dear Sister Linneth,

I can’t believe the journey ended this way. Since your diagnosis in 2017, I have learned to cherish the moments that we shared over the past decades.  I am so happy that I was able to help Malachi during this time. There were so many things to ask, share, and laugh about with you. This experience has allowed me to grow in so many ways. The race is not for the swift, but for those who endure it to the end. 

Much Love my dear!

.

Remembering my Sister Linneth,

Linneth and I got to know each other as adults. When she became pregnant with her son Malachi, she came to my job with her joyful news. Months later, she brought him for me to see. I will always remember the joy she displayed as a new mother.  She would ask me to help her with projects that she had going on. As siblings, we would argue at times over her timing, but nonetheless, we would work it out. 

Before she moved to the mainland, we spoke about the future.  She had big plans, especially for her beloved Martin!

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In 2017, illness struck and changed our lives forever.  Then came August 9, 2021, and the dreadful news of her passing.  It was surreal.  It is hard to accept.  God knows best.  He knows why. - Terry, Your Bro

Sis,

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You were a source of strength, motivation, and encouragement.  I recall the midday phone calls where you shared whatever was on your mind.  Often, it was some situation or person who challenged our values and prompted the need for you to stand up for yourself. 

You would frequently say, “They don’t know who they are messing with.”  You always thought ahead and carefully considered the pros and cons before deciding. Your passion to help others, along with your love was Malachi, was evident. 

As I struggle to make sense of all that has transpired, the hymn, “We'll Understand It Better By and By” comes to mind.  One thing is for sure, you fought the good fight.  You finished the race.  You kept the faith. Now you received the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, has in store for you.  Well done Sis.  Well done!  Love always,

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Aliston, Lucinda, and Olivia

I remember driving around to find Linneth the most special place to heal and Michael had these guidelines that was so particular. God forbid anything happen to any of us, Michael would be so meticulous with the same care. We ride all over Georgia grading facilities and that reminds me of why we do the work we all do to ensure we are able to give the best service to others and our very own family. Michael is a gentle giant I watch him rise also push through on a lot of his life journey.

Sherry- Cousin

My Friend,  

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I remember when we would all hang out together with our posse after High school, doing the MOST & enjoying life as teenagers. I remember when you moved to live with us in D.C in the late 80's.

We had a blast together all three of us (including Georgia) as roommates in the coolest neighborhood ever. American University was amazing and we always found time to have parties on the weekends & invite our VI friends from campus. 

We laughed together, had fun together & supported each other in all seasons of our lives. Georgia loved you as a twin sister. Y'all were like two peas in a pod. I remember the night y'all was mad at each other because it was your turn to clean the bathroom & you forgot, but she didn't!

We would often laugh together about that night!!l We painted DC red & lived our best young lives as roomates Rest on now baby sister, I knew Georgia welcomed you home with open arms.

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Love Kay Carty

My Dear Niece Linneth, 

I always admired you.  Probably because we looked like sisters for a long time. Thank God I was able to enjoy your company when you stayed with Mommy.

Those were some good days and good time. I cherish the time we spent and look forward to see you some day in Glory.  Sleep on...until that day when the dead in Christ shall rise.

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Aunt Lerlene 

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Linneth,

Though we didn’t spend a lot of time in person, we shared several phone conversations and I do recall those shared moments in Antigua, St. Croix and Virginia. 

I will cherish them all. I am so happy that I was able to celebrate one of your proudest moments with you—your graduation from Walden University with your PhD in 2014. Your labor here is over; Rest In Peace.

Forever in our hearts.

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Your Loving Cousin Charmaine