Obituary of Mrs. Minnie J. Linyear

Minnie Jewel Linyear was born on August 1, 1946 in Americus, Georgia to the late Mr. Ernest Davis Sr. and Mrs. Sylvia Davis.

Minnie graduated from Sumter High School (Americus, GA) in 1964 followed by receiving her Bachelors in Sociology at Xavier University (New Orleans, LA) in 1968 and later received a Masters of Science in Management at Cardinal Stritch University in 1983 (Milwaukee, WI).

Minnie accepted Christ at an early age as a member of Campbell Chapel AME Church in Americus, Georgia. As a young adult she continued her Christian journey as a Catholic when she joined St. Jerome Catholic Church also in Americus.  Later when she arrived in Milwaukee, WI, she joined St. Boniface Church, ending her Christian journey as a tireless servant at St. Martin de Porres.

Minnie was united in holy matrimony to Reginald Linyear on December 21, 1968, in Milwaukee, WI, to this union two children were born. 

Minnie was a consummate human resource professional whose career spanned more than 50 years. She was committed in all aspects of her professional and personal volunteerism to ensuring people experienced fair and equitable work environments.

She began her career with the Wisconsin Employment Service where she became the first affirmative action officer in the entire state of Wisconsin. After being recruited by Milwaukee County she developed and implemented the first affirmative action program for the County. Minnie left the public sector to become the director of human resources for St. Mary’s Hill Hospital implementing new initiatives and making key contributions leading to the integration of Columbia/St Mary’s hospitals.  Eventually, she returned to Milwaukee County as an administrator for the John Doyle hospital.  When the hospital closed she became director of human resources for Milwaukee County House of Corrections / Sheriff’s department until her retirement in 2008.  

In her leisure time, she engaged in activities that supported the dignity of the human person.  She was a founding member of the Black Women’s Network, an organization committed to the empowerment and support of women in their careers.  She also served on the board of the Adult Learning Center where she used her background in human resources to insure fair and equitable employment practices. Additionally, she served in various leadership roles with the following organizations: St Vincent de Paul Society; Daystar Domestic Violence Shelter; the House of Peace and the Black Catholic Ministry Commission where she coordinated the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer service. Minnie was a faithful and active member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #234, serving as Junior Daughter Councilor; mentoring many young girls over the years. She was also a member of the 4th Degree Ladies of Grace Evelyn Ashe Chapter #31.    

Family was important to Minnie. She shared her human resources expertise with the church by serving on the Personnel Practices Committee.  One of her favorite missions was overseeing all aspects of the Food Pantry - which serves hundreds of families on an ongoing basis.  

Celebrating family was integral to her life. She enjoyed spending time with her grandson Brenden. Whether caring for a relative in Louisiana or Georgia she always put their needs first in her selfless actions.

Minnie and Reginald were seasoned travelers visiting the Mediterranean including the Holy Land, China, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, Jamaica, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and a Western Tour covering the US National Parks - often returning with photos and stories to inspire others to travel. Every year she enjoyed celebrating Mardi Gras whether in Milwaukee or New Orleans.   

Ironically her professional and personal life came full circle as the place she once cared for her employees became the place that cared for her at the end of her time on earth. Minnie departed this world on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.  She was preceded in death by her sister Ernestine Davis

She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 50 years Reginald Linyear of Milwaukee, WI; children, Derron Linyear of Miami, FL, Deatrice Linyear-Davis (Ronnie), Snellville, GA, ; Brother, Reverend Ernest Davis Jr. (Ret.), of Albany, GA; Brother-in-Law, Keith Linyear Sr. of New Orleans, LA; Grandson, Brenden Davis, of Snellville, GA; and a host of nephews and cousins.   

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support either of the missions below in memory of our mother”

Food Pantry Memorial Fund

Please make check contribution payable to : St Martin de Porres Catholic Church

St Martin De Porres Catholic Church

Attention: Bonnie Wenger   

128 W. Burleigh Street

Milwaukee, WI 53212-2046

Adult Learning Center

Please make online contribution to the Adult Learning Center by clicking on the donate link at:

https://alcmke.org/

The online donation should be made to honor: Minnie Linyear Memorial Fund

Please make check contribution payable to: Adult Learning Center, please include Minnie Linyear on the memo line of the check.  

Adult Learning Center

1916 Vel R. Phillips Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53212