Linda Ruth Dunham

~ John 11:26

After a sudden illness, Linda passed away peacefully at 10:33 AM on September 12, 2026, with her loving family at her side, in Detroit, MI at the age of 75.

Linda was the youngest of four children born to the union of late Taylor Bender and Rosie Lee Ducksworth. Sisters E’toi, Mary Hughes, and Fannie Givens preceded her in death. She is also preceded by her brother, Johnnie B. (Rose), and niece Meyshira Bender.

Linda was raised in a Christian environment. At an early age, she was baptized into Christ Jesus at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Bay Springs, Mississippi. Relocating to Detroit, she rededicated her life to Christ and continued her Christian fellowship at Salem Memorial Lutheran Church as a witness to His life through service to the church community. She loved working in the church, coming together for Bible study and praising the Lord. Serving on several committees, always enjoying helping others, she volunteered as Director of the church Food Pantry for many years until her resignation in 2019.

Educated in the Bay Springs School System, receiving good grades throughout, graduating at the age of sixteen. She attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, receiving a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education in 1973. Linda began her career with the Detroit Board of Education as a substitute teacher on the east side of Detroit. She was soon hired at Ives Elementary and from there received a new assignment as a primary grade teacher at Howe Elementary. She continued her studies at the University of Detroit, receiving a Master’s Degree in Reading, and studied for an Educational Specialist Degree at Eastern Michigan University. Linda was passionate about the development of young minds. Impressing upon every student a strong work ethic, discipline, consistency, and the importance of acquiring knowledge as lifelong goals to pursue. Her career spanned 31 years, serving as a dedicated teacher.

Linda was the beloved wife of Freddie Dunham for 32 years. Their marriage was blessed with decades of true love and companionship. Linda and Freddie shared a love of hosting and traveling with family and friends.

Linda truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: chatting with friends and family, spending time with nieces and nephews, eating out, planning lunch gatherings for retired colleagues, and preparing new recipes for the family to try. She was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a willing spirit, and brought an energy of perfection to every task. She lives on in the minds and hearts of every person she touched along her journey.

Linda’s precious memory is cherished by her loving husband, Freddie; devoted nieces Dionne, Denae, Ayanna (James), Pamela (Kevin), Bobbie, and Linda; nephews, Johnny (Debra), Joseph (Sherrill), Michael Bender, Terrence (Stephanie); and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, on September 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, on September 19, 2026, at 12:00 pm.