Linda Mensah

Obituary of Linda May Mensah (Robinson), affectionately known as "Carmen"

Linda May Mensah, lovingly known to many as Carmen, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 in Clarksburg, Maryland, after a courageous journey with end-stage cancer. Born on April 10, 1951, in Brown's Town, St. Ann Parish, Jamaica, Linda lived a life defined by faith, service, devotion to family, and unwavering love for God.

Linda was the beloved daughter of Mildred Carter (Jarrett), who predeceased her in 2013. She was raised with great care and guidance by her maternal aunt and uncle, Alberta Codner and Mr. Codner, whom she deeply revered and credited with shaping the values and principles that guided her life. Linda carried these lessons forward, passing them on faithfully to her own children. She also shared a lifelong bond with her brother, Winston Garcia, with whom she grew up and remained closely connected throughout her life.

Linda was a devoted sister to Winston Garcia, Barbara Woolery-Smith, Tony Levy, Sandra Carter, and Carlene Carter. She cherished her relationships with each of them, sharing deep affection, treasured memories, and enduring love.

A woman of deep intellect and compassion, Linda pursued careers in both education and healthcare. She served as an elementary school teacher and later as a registered nurse, touching countless lives through her work. Her nursing career included service at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where she was known for her professionalism, empathy, and dedication to patient care.

Linda's life was firmly rooted in her faith. A devoted Seventh-day Adventist, she studied the Bible daily using Sabbath School Quarterly lessons, often with pen, paper, and scripture at hand, seeking deeper understanding and meaning. She took great joy in sharing the gospel and the message of Christ with family, friends, and all who crossed her path. Her faith was not only spoken, but lived.

On July 27, 1974, Linda married the love of her life, Emmanuel Kwaku Mensah, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their marriage of 52 years was a beautiful testament to love, partnership, and friendship. Linda and Kwaku were inseparable-traveling extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe, both alone and with their children and grandchildren. In recent years, they shared especially meaningful family journeys to Ghana and Jamaica. When at home, they found joy in quiet evenings together, often watching television and sharing a mutual love for tennis.

Linda was a proud and devoted mother to three children: her son Paul Tonyo Mensah, affectionately called "T" or "Tonyo," married to Isabelle Mensah; her son Asanvi Mensah, married to Jessica Witkin Mensah; and her daughter Delali Mensah-Jamison, married to Robert Jamison. Her children praise her for instilling in them the greatest gift of all-a strong and enduring faith in Christ. Linda extended her warmth and compassion to her daughters-in-law and son-in-law, with whom she shared loving and meaningful relationships. She also formed deep bonds with Sydney Mensah and Sylvester Mensah, Kwaku's sons, whom she loved dearly.

Nothing brought Linda more joy than her grandchildren-AJ, Kamau, Giorgiana, Christian, Carlo, and Savannah-whom she openly and proudly called the loves of her life. She played an active role in their upbringing, caring for them during their formative years and welcoming them into her home for long summer visits. Whether together or apart, her love for them was constant and deeply mutual.

Linda found joy in gardening at every home she lived in, especially in Maryland and Delaware, nurturing beauty wherever she planted roots. She enjoyed aerobic training, traveling with family, and generously giving to charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, firmly believing in the importance of giving back to those less fortunate.

Linda May Mensah will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, deep love for family, and lifelong commitment to service. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the faith she shared, and the family she loved so completely.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.