Linda L. Carson McVicker

Linda L. Carson McVicker, 88, of Thurmont, Maryland, passed away on March 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on February 9, 1938, to Harold F. and Helen Wallace Whittaker, Linda lived a life defined by quiet strength, kindness, and a servant’s heart. Her deep faith in Jesus guided every chapter of her journey, shaping her love for family, friends, and strangers alike.

A longtime member of MorningStar Family Church, Linda served for many years as caretaker of the church’s campground on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Her compassion carried her even farther from home; she lived in Haiti, devoting herself to mission work at an orphanage with Christian Haitian Outreach. She found joy in life’s simple beauties, especially photographing the sky and capturing the wonder of God’s creation. Writing was another cherished pursuit that reflected her thoughtful and gentle spirit.

Linda is survived by her daughters Debra Carey of Philippi, West Virginia; Jamea Gouker of Sabillasville, Maryland; and Billie Keeney of Emmitsburg, Maryland; her granddaughter Julie Covey of Manchester, Maryland, whom she loved as a daughter; and her sons-in-law Ronald Carey, Mark Gouker, and Shane Keeney. She is also survived by her grandchildren Samantha Zecher (Caleb), Diana Ott (William), Brandon Keeney (Nicole), Mark James Gouker (Danielle), and Isaiah Thurley; her great-grandchildren Braxton, Everly, Hayden, Liam, Wrenley, Waylon, Hudson, and Elenora; her sister Gail Shelby; many beloved nieces and nephews; her stepdaughters Linda West (Gordon), Donna West, and Tammy Schilling (Lester); her stepsons Larry Kerns (Sherry), Jeff Carson (Kathy), and Bob Carson and their families; and two young men she loved as grandchildren, Tony Smith and his son Dax, and Dominic Picarella. She leaves behind her dear friend and longtime traveling companion, Helen Harne, with whom she shared many adventures across the country and abroad in Haiti and Russia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands Harry R. Carson and James L. McVicker; her daughter Diana “Diane” Covey; her stepdaughters Robin Harne and Deborah “Debbie” Carson; her stepsons Harry R. “Bobby” Kerns and Wayne “Smoke” Kerns; her sisters Glenda Dye and Carmelita Mendoza; her brothers Harold, Larry, Albert, Sam, and Gary Whittaker; and her beloved pets JoJo and Luci.