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Funeral is by invitation only
Linda Ann Ware, 52, was born the only child to the late Joann (McLaughlin) Ware and Jerry Ware on December 7, 1967 in Albany, New York. She was suddenly called to rest on December 4, 2020.
Linda Ann received her elementary education at Cathedral Academy and graduated from Bishop Maginn High School in 1985 in Albany, New York. In 2002, she earned her Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Bryant and Stratton College. She was passionate about education and found unique ways to share this passion with children.
Linda Ann’s children were her pride and joy, and she endeavored to give them the world. She was the proud mother of Jerrod Ware, who predeceased her in death, Sha’Keya Joann Ware, and Johnny Williams. She was the faithful Godmother to Haleem Fareh, who affectionately called her “Goddy.”
Linda Ann thrived on assisting those in need and successfully served as an Eligibility Examiner for the Albany County Department of Social Services for over 15 years, where she was lovingly known as the “Queen of Celebrations.” Her passion for making others feel special and connected meant every birthday and holiday was celebrated. Her attention to others was just as intentional outside of the office.
Linda Ann expressed an intense love for her family and friends. She had a knack for knowing when to send an encouraging word and knowing how to make others smile. Her text messages and calls were always very timely and were uniquely appropriate. She was a natural teacher and honorary parent and auntie to many. She enjoyed writing plays for children to act out, helping young thinkers dissect books, and teaching essay writing and arithmetic, especially multiplication. She was also a member of Blessed Hope Worship Center, where she was active in the youth ministry.
Bingo Diva and “spades connoisseur,” Linda Ann schooled many of her younger family members on these cultural rites of passage. She enjoyed traveling, long road trips, watching Good Times, and found peace in creating art, especially with coloring books. She had a great sense of humor, and was in the process of writing a book titled “Chronicles of Zamunda,” stemming from some of her amusing experiences in the challenging social service field.
Linda Ann is predeceased by her mother Joann (McLaughlin) Ware, her son Jerrod Ware, her maternal grandparents Joseph King and Vidie Lee McLaughlin, her paternal grandparents James and Sarah Ware, her aunt Mae Doris McLaughlin, her cousins Ashley George McLaughlin, Herbert (“Scobbie”) McLaughlin, Jr., and Elijah (“Gooner”) Willingham, Jr., and her step-brother Rush Williams.
Left to cherish Linda Ann’s loving memory are her children Sha’Keya Ware and Johnny Williams, her partner-in-love Lorne Williams, her father Jerry Ware, her step-siblings Tashawana Williams Rogers (Jason), Mattisse Williams, and Tony Williams. Her maternal uncles and aunts: Herbert McLaughlin (Barbara), Wanda Fay Willingham (Elijah), Carolyn McLaughlin, Manch McLaughlin (Lois), Mattie Douglas (Nathaniel), Barbara Nell Howard (Ronald). Her paternal uncles and aunts: Esterlen Brown, Mattie Ware Harris (Charlie), Shelane Pringle, Frank Ware (Louise), and Henry Ware. She also leaves behind a host of cousins, grand cousins, nieces and nephews, and her cherished childhood bestie, the “dot to her i,” Bettylou Graham.
Sha’Keya and Johnny would like to extend a special thank you to all family and friends who have called, visited, texted, prayed and shared their time and special memories about their precious mother, Linda Ann. Sha’Keya and Johnny greatly appreciate the love and support everyone has provided. Please continue to pray for their peace and comfort in the days ahead.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda A. Ware, please visit our floral store.