Ms. Linda Marie (Alridge) Ben

Linda Marie Ben was born in Houston, Texas to Pretonia Virginia Thomas and Rufus Alridge Sr. She was a smart and lifelong learner, regularly keeping up with the world of medicine through medical journals and studies. She loved crossword puzzles, reading and studying the Bible, singing, shopping (especially shoes), and hangout time with her daughter, Denise. Linda loved God and others. She will be remembered for her loving, warm, kind, supportive, playful, energetic, and joyful ways.

Linda Marie was reared in the Studewood neighborhood of Houston, she matriculated through Burrus Elementary School, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. She went on to attend and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University. In the midst of it all, Linda found her passion caring for others as a Registered Nurse. She worked for the Veterans Administration and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services - Aging and Disability Department, where she retired as a Nurse Supervisor.

During high school, Linda met Redonia Ben, and they married. To the union of Linda and Redonia was born their beloved daughter, Denise, who was her pride and joy. While Redonia and Linda’s marriage would come to an end, they continued as loving parents to their daughter. Linda found love again later in life and married S. B. Thomas, but later parted ways.

Linda accepted Jesus Christ as Savior as a youth at the True Light Baptist Church. She would go on to join Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended and served for many years until her passing. Linda had a special heart for working with expectant teenage mothers and served as part of the Honey Child Ministry. She also loved her Music Ministry family, singing joyously with Sanctuary, Women’s, and Mass Choirs.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Pretonia Virginia Thomas; her father, Rufus Alridge Sr.; and her younger brother, Rufus Alridge Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Denise Ben; and a host of cousins, loved ones, friends, and choir members.