Linda Dumas

Ms. Linda Dumas, born on November 12, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Willard Sr. and Sallie Dumas, entered eternal rest on November 9, 2024. Linda’s life was a radiant reflection of love, faith, and kindness, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Raised in foster care by Rev. Cecil and Patsy Norman, Linda embraced the unique blessing of being nurtured by both her biological and foster parents. Being raised by a pastor, her Christ centered upbringing instilled in her a deep faith and she often spoke fondly of the church she grew up in. On occasion, her biological mother would speak with eloquence and strength during services, leaving her in awe and building her own confidence. She later reaffirmed her faith through baptism by her brother, Dwight Dumas, and remained spiritually connected through online ministries, worship and in-person services with her daughter, family, and friends. Linda excelled at Princeton High School and later earned her Associate’s degree in Accounting from Colorado Technical University and received the nomination to join The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). A lifelong learner, she built a diverse career that included healthcare as a compassionate nurse’s aide, tax preparation where she served others with precision, and administrative leadership at the Community Action Agency (CAA), where she managed projects with meticulous care and dedication. Her true gift, however, was her ability to express love through cooking. Inspired by the lessons of her two mothers, Linda created meals that nourished not just the body but the soul. She delighted in sharing her dishes with family and friends, who she loved dearly, always ensuring no one left her presence without feeling cared for and cherished. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, generosity, and connection—a reflection of her heart. Above all, Linda’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her role as a mother. She poured her heart and soul into raising Vonetta, instilling in her the virtues of honesty, integrity, humility, pride, leadership, and faith. Linda’s unwavering love, wisdom, and nurturing spirit of excellence laid a strong foundation for Vonetta’s success and fulfillment, creating a legacy of strength and purpose that lives on through her daughter. She also formed a deep and lasting bond with her “son in love,” Aubrey Jennings, who became her best friend and steadfast supporter. Linda’s warmth, humor, and wisdom, combined with her steady presence and infectious laughter, also made her a cherished sister, trusted aunt, cousin and friend. Many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends sought her guidance and leaned on her as a confidante and source of insightful advice.

In her later years, Linda embraced an exciting new chapter, moving to Washington, D.C., to support her daughter in managing a thriving salon. Her grace and steady presence enriched the lives of clients and staff alike. Beyond the salon, Linda actively supported Vonetta’s community service endeavors as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and her advocacy for Mayor Muriel Bowser’s initiatives. Linda’s ability to care deeply for others extended far beyond her family, leaving an indelible mark on her community through her quiet yet profound acts of love and support. Linda was a women of class, loved jewelry and didn’t go anywhere without her lipstick. She lived a life defined by faith, excellence, strength, and generosity. She operated in excellence in everything she did. No matter how great or small. She gave selflessly, worked diligently, and loved deeply. Her legacy of kindness and care will forever inspire all who were blessed to know her. Linda is survived by her daughter, Vonetta Dumas Jennings; her son-in-love, Aubrey Jennings; her siblings, Marqua Hackett (Willard Hackett), Darryl Dumas, Dale Dumas (Crystal Dumas), Audrey Dumas, Dwight Dumas (Lori Dumas), and Diehl Dumas; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her foster parents, and her siblings, Willard Jr., Aretha Jamison, Gale Roper, and Godlynn Dumas. Linda Dumas will be remembered as a woman who lived her faith, shared her love through her gifts, and brought warmth and care to everyone she met. May her memory be a blessing and her life a legacy of love.

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