Linda Diane (Bonds) Burney, Age 67 of Capitol Heights, Maryland.

Profile of Life

Linda Diane Bonds Burney

Ms. Linda Burney, as she affectionately loved to be called, transitioned to her mansion in the sky to be with her Heavenly Father on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, at the age of 67. Linda was surrounded by the family she loved and nurtured.

Linda was born on January 6, 1949, the second of two daughters born to the late Mrs. Beulah and Mr. Lorenzo Bonds.

Linda received her education in the Charles County School System. In 1966, the beginning of her senior year was also the first year of integration in Charles County. Pomonkey seniors were integrated into Lackey High School and La Plata High School. Linda was among those students. After graduation from high school in 1967, she matriculated at Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies in 1971. She decided to return to Charles County, specifically, Lackey High School to begin her teaching career. Oh, what a career she had! The many lives she touched! Many students would not have made it through Lackey High School without the pushing, coercing, mentoring, caring and thoughtfulness of Ms. Burney.

Ms. Burney wore many hats during her 41 year tenure at Lackey High School: social studies teacher, department chair, Hiatus coordinator – an intervention program for students, cheerleader sponsor, carnival organizer, study hall monitor, member of the principal's advisory team, member of the Middle States Evaluation Committee, and she worked games and sporting events. She was an integral part of the total school program. SHE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

Because Ms. Burney spent so much of her time at Lackey, some may have thought that was her life. No, there was another side of her. On June 5, 1983, Linda was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nu Zeta Omega Chapter. She enjoyed her family, friends and serving/working at her church.

Linda attended Mass at Mount Calvary Catholic Church on Marlboro Pike, Forestville, Maryland, Pastored by Father Everett Pearson. She was confirmed on Easter Sunday 2003. She later became a Lector as well as Extraordinary Minister at Mount Calvary.

As a friend, Linda was considerate, concerned for the welfare of those she loved and a shoulder to share confidences. Her friends think of her as the glue – the rock that held them together. She was the one who remembered everyone's birthday. You knew you were going to get at least one birthday card – Linda's. She was the one who called to remind everyone that "it is time for us to get together".

Linda and Louis, the love of her life, helped raise four children: Myron, Mira, Dontaiz and Christa, with unconditional love. They represented the best parts of Linda and Louis.

The two little ones who brought the greatest joy to her life are Charles Newman V and Dontaiz Gibson Jr.

A constant in her life was her "adopted daughter", Monica. They shared a special mother/daughter bond.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother and father, Beulah and Lorenzo Bonds and her life partner, Louis Hankins.

Linda leaves to mourn her loss and forever cherish her precious memories: her sister, Karen Gibson; aunt, Daisy Bonds Queen of Washington, D.C.; niece, Jennifer Gibson; nephew, Eric Gibson; grandnieces Mira Gibson, Christa Gibson; grandnephews Myron Gibson, Dontaiz Gibson; great grandnephews Charles Newman V and Dontaiz Gibson Jr.; adopted daughter, Monica Fortune; goddaughter Lynnette Petty; godson, Rev. William S. Petty; and a host of cousins and other loved ones.

Visitation, 9a.m. until 11a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2016 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Mass of Christian Burial, 12 noon, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

Final Disposition, Saturday, April 9, 2016 following the Mass of Christian Burial.