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Beloved Community Leader Mary Elizabeth Garcia-Linen Passes Away

Friends and family gather to celebrate the life of Mary Elizabeth Garcia-Linen, reflecting on her legacy of kindness.

News Summary

Mary Elizabeth Garcia-Linen, a cherished mother and leader in Newport News, has passed away at 86. Known for her loving spirit and commitment to community service, her legacy will continue to inspire. Friends and family will gather to honor her memory as they celebrate a life dedicated to faith, love, and positivity.

Newport News, Virginia – Mary Elizabeth Garcia-Linen, a beloved mother and community leader, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Her death has left a deep void in the hearts of family, friends, and members of the Newport News community, who recognized her as a beacon of love and positivity.

Born on December 25, 1938, in Charleston, South Carolina, Mary spent much of her life in dedicated service to others. Her career included working as a housekeeper at Patrick Henry Mall, where she was known for her diligent work ethic and friendly demeanor. Mary was an active member of the Regeneration Outreach Christian Center, frequently attending services and engaging in missionary work that demonstrated her commitment to faith and community service.

Mary’s personal life was rich with family connections. She is survived by her daughters, Vivian Buggs and Gloria McCorory. In addition, she leaves behind her brother Arthur Linen and sister Janie Linen. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, including Francena McCorory, Felicia Knox, Robert McCorory, Roberta McCorory, Martice McCorory, Shameka McCorory, Eugene Linen, Loria McCorory, and Keithan Buggs. She also nurtured relationships with honorary daughters Rosa Buggs and Sharnice Keelig, along with numerous great-grandchildren and extended family members.

Mary was known for her joyful spirit, often spending quality time with her grandchildren doing activities such as solving puzzles and word searches. A lover of Chinese food, she frequently enjoyed lunch with her grandchildren, creating treasured memories that they will hold dear. Evenings were typically spent watching gospel programs on television, which provided her with comfort and spiritual inspiration.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mariah Linen, her husband Carlos Garcia Reyes, and several siblings including Josephine Robinson, Ida Mae Linen, Jaunita Williams, John Linen, and James Linen.

Friends and family will have the opportunity to celebrate Mary Elizabeth Garcia-Linen’s life at Altmeyer Funeral Home – Denbigh Chapel on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Visitation is scheduled from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by a service at 1 pm. The community remembers her as a source of encouragement and positivity, whose influence will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

Mary’s legacy is one marked by kindness and an unwavering positive outlook, qualities that have left a lasting impact on the lives of those who knew her. As the Newport News community mourns her passing, they also honor a life lived in service, faith, and love.