Mother Linnie Bell Cady

“How Can I Deny Myself And Make Your Day Better”

Did You Know Her?

Linnie Bell Cady was born to Thomas and Louise Crews on November 27, 1929, in Columbia, Missouri. She was the third oldest of 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. At 12 years old, in 7th grade, Linnie dropped out of school to find a job to help her parents with the family. Linnie spent much of her time going to a small church where her mother was active. This was special to Linnie because she liked helping her mother. Linnie also helped her mother babysit children at home. Although Linnie was very quiet, she was quite feisty when keeping an eye on her brothers and other children. She was tough but loving.

Linnie had a child at the age of 16 yrs old named William. Linnie stayed at home and raised him for a year, then decided it was time to get another job. She found a job working as an elevator operator in a small hotel. She worked long hours while her mother took care of her son.

Linnie soon met the love of her life, Lee Cady, a tall, dark, and handsome serviceman! They were introduced to one another at a church function. Lee and his friends would visit churches when they were in town. Lee and Linnie were married a year after they met when Lee was discharged from his services in the armed forces. Lee, Linnie, and William left Missouri and headed to Denver, Colorado. Lee quickly found a job at the Veterans Hospital after finding an apartment. Linnie began to search for a church home. Since she was raised in a small church, she wanted to find a small church where she could work. She visited several churches but finally found a small one where she felt her love for God and people would be enhanced. This church was called Wayside COGIC under the teaching and covering of Pastor and Sister W. H. Sims. Her passion for God began to flourish. Sister Linnie started to to work as a youth Sunday School teacher, Bible Band president\teacher, and testimony service leader. Because of her love and concern for other’s well-being, Pastor Sims appointed Sister Linnie President over the Sick committee. She visited nursing homes and residents ‘homes. Senior friends ‘homes in the neighborhood, hospitals, and wherever she felt she could help people know that God loved them, and so did she! She truly ministered outside the church’s four walls! Sister Linnie worked so untiringly in her local church sick committee that within a few years, she was asked to assist the State Sick Committee President, Mother Osborn. Where did she find the time!! Even while doing all of this, Sister Linnie extended herself just a little further by volunteering for the Red Cross! She volunteered one Sunday every few months. She worked in all of these capacities for many years.

While helping and observing her mother with children when she was young and working as a Sunday School teacher, Sister Linnie’s love for children grew exponentially! Sister Linnie decided she wanted to become a foster parent. So, after thinking it through with Mr. Lee and with some encouragement from her mother, Mr. and Mrs. Cady said yes to becoming foster parents! They took in their first child, a boy, in 1961. Over the course of 45+ years, Sister Linnie fostered over 50+ children of many backgrounds, races, and circumstances. She adopted 4 of those children, three girls and one boy. Sister Linnie adopted her last child, a daughter, 4 years old, at 72 years old! According to her, she still wasn’t done. She wanted another child this year!!

Sister Linnie also took the time to do a little baking. Many people remember and still talk about the goodies she made and sold for the upbuilding of the church. She made cakes, particularly pound cakes, date bars, cookies, tea cakes, brownies, burritos, and Nachos. The saints would leave in the middle of service to come to the kitchen to put in their orders. Some would buy brownies and tea cakes and put them in their purses to avoid missing out. By the end of service, there was seldom anything left. We were cleaning up. She loved doing this so much that she decided she wanted to bake as a profession. She went and took training classes. Within a year, this 7th-grade dropout received her certification in Culinary Arts! She received an immediate placement where she wanted to be, cooking for children!!

We will never forget the contributions and love that Mother Linnie Bell Cady shared with all of those she came in contact with. We are who we are because of her love, concern, and guidance. Her favorite song for her ministry was “He’s Sweet I Know!” Mother Linnie Bell Cady is preceded in death by her children, son William Crews and daughter Deborah Jones. She leaves behind her sister, Ada Mae, daughters, Je’ree and A’marie, son, Eric (Jeanine), and grandson, Tytus. Also, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, church families, friends, and many beloved foster children.