Deaconness Cummings
Age - 74
December 8, 2023
"There will be peace in the valley for me, some dayThere will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I prayThere'll be no sadness, no sorrowNo trouble, trouble I seeThere will be peace in the valley for me"-Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey, 1939Deaconess Linda Jewell Cummings, was born January 28, 1949 to the late Norman and Geneva Stewart in Bridgeport, CT. She entered eternal rest on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Deaconess Cummings was a woman whose foundation was rooted in her faith. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at the East End Baptist Tabernacle Church in Bridgeport, CT. A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, CT, she attended Bridgeport Public Schools and graduated from Warren Harding High School. She was a proud HBCU graduate of the Central State Ohio University, where she received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. She went on to receive her Masters degree in School Guidance from Southern Connecticut State University and her 6th year degree in school administration from the University of Bridgeport. On July 28, 1973, she was united in holy matrimony to Rev. Michael A. Cummings, I, the love of her life for 50 years. Together they raised two dedicated children, Michael II and Shanda. Family was her top priority and she was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her and she would move mountains to ensure they had what they needed. Affectionately known to many as "Grams", she was a giving woman who extended her love beyond her two (2) children and four (4) grandchildren. Grams was a surrogate sister, mother, and grandmother to countless young people who remain in her family to this day. A woman of grace, Grams was genuine, committed, and deeply compassionate and the memories of her will endure with each of us forever. Deaconess Cummings started her professional career with the Bridgeport Board of Education as an elementary school teacher at Columbus Elementary School. After receiving her master's degree, she embarked on her guidance counselor journey at Curiale Middle School where she focused on supporting young men of color who had difficulty with reading. Deaconess Cummings spent her last 15 years in education at Central High School, retiring as the head of the guidance department. While at Central, she had a sweet spot for helping high school athletes realize their goals of attending college and playing sports. Her dedication to student athletes extended beyond the classroom and many became part of her extended family; often staying at the house and eating Tuesday evening dinners. She spent countless hours traveling near and far to support her student athletes when they attended college. Deaconess Cummings' calling was to minister to all those who needed a kind word of encouragement, especially to teenagers, parents, and the elders in the community, who she would serve alongside her husband. She was a dedicated servant leader in various roles at East End her entire life. She passionately served as vacation bible schoolteacher, member of the Deaconess Board, Youth Ministry leader, and Scholarship Committee to name a few. She loved young people and wanted every young person in the church community to know Christ and enjoy life. Hundreds of young people hold many fond memories of the East End Baptist Tabernacle Church basement youth celebrations that were hosted by Deaconess Cummings and Rev. Cummings every season. Together they showed youth that serving Christ can be fun and is for everyone. In her later years, she was called to serve the seniors and with her husband, ensured that the needs of the church elders were met. Deaconess Cummings was always just one phone call away. For over 50 years, Deaconess Cummings was a proud, member and servant of the National Convention of Gospel Choir's and Choruses, Inc. (NCGCC). She proudly served NCGCC in many capacities, including National Supervisors Guild and Registration Committee. She loved NCGCC and brought as many as she could to the convention to experience the gospel of Jesus through music. Deaconess Cummings was a woman of faith who loved her family and fellowshipping with others. Her home was always open; whether it was coffee on a Saturday morning or a place to rest your head, all were welcome. She would bend over backwards to make sure you had what you needed to be successful in life. Deaconess Cummings, always with her husband and soulmate, never met a stranger; her friends were her family. If you were her friend and you brought a friend with you to her home, they became her friend. She had a special way about herself that made you feel right at home and totally comfortable. She will forever be remembered for her tenacity, loving spirit, strong voice, confident determination, and fidelity to do whatever it takes to support her family and community. Deaconess Cummings is predeceased by her husband Rev. Michael A. Cummings, her parents Mr. and Mrs. Norman and Geneva Stewart, her sister Mrs. Darcella Gray, and her brothers Norman, Derrick, and Russell Stewart. She leaves to cherish her loving memories her adoring children; son, Mr. Michael (Maria) Cummings, II of Bridgeport, CT and daughter, Dr. Shanda (Michael) Crowder of Kingsville, MD. Her legacy lives on through her four (4) wonderful grandchildren, Michael Anthony Cummings, III, Natalia Izora Cummings, Hannah Elois Jewell Crowder, and Fulton James Crowder. She also leaves to cherish a devoted uncle who has been like a father, Mr. Russell Monk, her brothers-in-love, Mr. Gregory Cummings and Mr. Curtis Gray, and two special sisters-in-love Mrs. Paula Watkins and Mrs. Shirley Randall. Also left to cherish her memory are countless special godchildren and grandchildren, too numerous to name, but all loved like they were her own, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Deaconess Linda would often quote Proverbs 3:5 as a word of encouragement and an act of love "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding".Show more
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