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Her life story
Posted: March 28, 2012 | Last Revised: March 28, 2012
Linda Clementine Somerville was born on December 10, 1954 to the late James Foley “Link” Somerville and Sarah Loretta Somerville in Leonardtown, Maryland. Linda, the first born, was raised in Hollywood, Maryland with her 9 brothers and sisters and grandmother, the late Mary Susie Somerville, close by.
She attended Banneker Elementary School and later graduated from Chopticon High School in 1972, where she had already accumulated a multitude of lifelong friends.
On October 25, 1971 Linda gave birth to the love of her life, Michelle Renee. Striving always to provide the best life for her daughter, she left St. Mary’s county to enter the federal government.
In 1974 Linda began federal service with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) where she served her entire career. She began as a secretary and held a number of positions of increasing responsibility. In addition to her primary career, she was committed to working on areas within the administration to help improve employment opportunities and community conditions for women and minorities. She was the first female to serve as the Agency’s Director of Civil Rights. Linda received the Bronze Medal Award (the top award granted by the Agency), Administrator’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Equal Employment Opportunity three times, three additional Special Achievement Awards and numerous Outstanding Performance Awards. In 1996, she became the first female assigned to the position of Senior Advisor for National Security Programs, designed to promote and maintain a US flag fleet of ships to meet national security requirements.
After 32 years of exemplary service, Linda retired in 2006 to help take care of her grandsons, Rodney, Jr. (RJ) and Ryan. She was a nanny extraordinaire until both boys entered pre-school.
Linda always remained true to her calling to help and serve her family. Taking care of her brothers and sisters she developed the skills she would later use to care for her aging relatives as they transitioned onward. She was foremost a mother, grandmother and daughter. In her spare time, she also served as a doctor, nurse, counselor, psychologist, teacher, event planner, coach, secretary, accountant, caterer, interior decorator, researcher, social worker, legal advisor and 24-hour hotline for every conceivable problem. She was always the go-to person for family, friends and co-workers of every generation. Linda was the epitome of a peacemaker, always finding the good in everyone and in every situation. She was fair and impartial to her core. She had the unique gift of being able to correct you while reminding you that you were still always a child of God.
Her faith foundation was developed growing up in St. Johns Catholic Church. In addition, she was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. According to her journal, in 2003 she was baptized in the Holy Spirit and found her church home at Victory Christian Ministries International. In the ministry, she served as a counter in the Finance Department, Director of Covenant Partners Ministry and was appointed as the Administrator of Tony and Cynthia Brazelton Ministry (TCBM) where she served until she was called home.
Linda enjoyed reading, writing, studying the word, attending church services, serving the Lord through her ministry work, shopping, decorating, traveling to the Caribbean, dancing and spending time with friends and family, especially her daughter and grandsons.
In April of 2011, Linda was diagnosed with cancer and managed not only to sustain but increase her faith. With dignity, grace, acceptance and a total lack of fear, Linda continued to walk the steps that were ordered until the end. The week before she departed from us, she said “God has a plan. I am blessed and my children are blessed”. She wholeheartedly accepted God’s plan for her life and knew that she had done all of the work that he intended for her to do. Always a good and faithful servant, Linda transitioned to her final resting place on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 7pm…….. In Peace.
Linda leaves behind her legacy to her daughter Michelle R. Carter, grandsons Rodney and Ryan Carter, mother Loretta Somerville, brothers and sisters - Foley, Maxine, Michael, Larry (Quanda), Darlene Jones-Dorsey (Jim), Marvin (Dalphine), Wanda Davis (Al) and the late Phyllis and Xavier. She was also loved by a host of nieces, nephews, many relatives, sister-friends, church family members, and members of the faith.
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Born: December 10, 1954
Place of Birth: Leonardtown, Maryland
Death: March 19, 2012
Place of Death: Washington, D.C.
Hobbies: Collecting Angels, reading, shopping, studying the word and spending time with friends.
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This memorial provided by:
George P. Kalas Funeral Home P.A.
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