Linda Kasiem (Bailey-Murray), was born September 20, 1948 in Rockford, Illinois. She passed away at Grand Regency of Rockford on September 1, 2023 at 1:10 AM. She is preceded in death by her husband Herbert, mother Jeanette Bailey-Murray, two brothers Fred and Iley and sister Jeanne ("Bonnie"). Linda and Herbert had five children Dawn and Victoria (twins), Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jonah. They have four grandchildren Rikki and Amram, Zoe and Nicholas. She is survived by siblings Janet, Freda, Fountain, Arthur, Jennie, Jeanette ("Angel"), and their families.

She graduated from Rockford West High School in 1967. She earned an associates from Rock Valley College in 1971, a bachelors in biology from North Park College in 1975 and a second associates in medical laboratory technology from Malcolm X Community College in 1977. At Malcolm X, she was an algebra tutor and tutored her future husband who was taking classes at the college. They were married at Pilgrim Baptist Church on September 13, 1980.

They lived in the Rodgers Park neighborhood before moving to Rockford in the early 1980s. In Rockford, Linda taught mathematics at Family Christian Fellowship Academy. In the mid to late eighties, she primarily raised her children but also worked odd jobs including babysitting and overseeing the operation of a laundromat on Kishwaukee Street. She retired from Rockford Memorial Hospital in December 2019 after 24 years working in the diet office and cafeteria.

Her character can be defined by her humbleness and kind heart. She never wavered in her belief in the possibility for all her children to reach their full potential. She was steadfast in faith, hope and optimism.

The family would like to express gratitude to family, friends and caregivers who kept her in mind and heart, prayed for her, visited her, and to all who still love her.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 16 at Carl E. Ponds 200 N Johnston Av, Rockford. Visitation before Service, 9-11 a.m. Burial following Service at Greenwood Cemetery. Pastor Steve Doyle of Calvary Christian Church officiating.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." [James 1:12 NIV]