Linda Guy-Chornes

Obituary For Linda Guy-Chornes

Linda Guy-Chornes was a woman of words, of warmth, and of quiet brilliance — a storyteller not only on paper, but through the life she lived and the love she gave. She was born on May 28, 1953, in Memphis, Tennessee to Anderson Guy Sr. and Lillie Mae Jones Guy in a home rooted in hard work, creativity, and community. Linda was the youngest of five children, the baby of the family, following Grace, who passed the same day she entered the world, and her siblings Anderson Guy Jr., Phyllis Guy, and Joanne Guy. She was preceded in death by her sisters Grace and Joanne. From the very beginning, her life carried both tenderness and strength a quiet understanding of both loss and love. Her early years were shaped in LeMoyne Gardens where her parents built not just a home, but a legacy. Her father co-owned a barbershop, a place of conversation and connection. Her mother styled hair from home, creating beauty and confidence in the community she served. From them, Linda inherited both creativity and care hands that could create, and a spirit that could nurture. She attended Lincoln Elementary, Lincoln Junior High School, and South Side High School, before her journey carried her beyond Memphis. She lived in places like Illinois and California, gathering perspective, experience, and stories along the way. Eventually, she returned home, guided not by obligation, but by love as she witnessed her parents aging and chose to be near them. That choice spoke volumes about who she was: devoted, grounded, and deeply connected to family. Linda later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Memphis State University, a path fitting for a woman who understood the power of words and the beauty of expression. Linda was also a devout and faithful member of her church, where she served for many years as the Women’s Ministry Leader. This role was not just a title—it was an extension of who she was. She poured her creativity into her service, writing programs, poems, and plays that uplifted, inspired, and brought people together. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived, expressed, and shared.

In time, she met and married Hugh Hayes Chornes Jr., and together they built a life and family. From that union came her greatest works of heart—her daughters, Mahrea Trinette Chornes and Irise Joanne Chornes. Her husband preceded her in death, but their shared love lives on through the family they created. Of all the roles she carried, none meant more to Linda than being a mother. She centered her life around her girls, raising them with intention, love, and quiet strength. Her creativity lived not only in words, but in the tender details of motherhood—in the bows she lovingly made, in the frilly socks she dressed her daughters in, in the small, beautiful touches that turned everyday moments into something special. She created not just memories, but a childhood wrapped in care, intention, and love. And in time, her joy expanded even further when she became “GiGi” to Graysen Drew Burson and Hayden Andrew Chornes. She was more than a grandmother—she was warmth, laughter, and unconditional love in its purest form. Linda lived gently, but with depth. She saw beauty in what others overlooked, found meaning in ordinary moments, and carried a quiet creativity that shaped the lives around her. A breast cancer survivor, Linda carried a quiet resilience—facing life’s challenges with grace, strength, and unwavering dignity.

She leaves behind not just memories, but a feeling—a softness, a strength, a presence that lingers. And though she is no longer here in body, her voice remains—in every lesson, every memory, every quiet moment where her love can still be felt. Her story does not end here. It continues in all of us. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Mahrea Chornes and Irise Chornes; her grandchildren, Graysen Burson and Hayden Chornes; her siblings, Anderson Guy Jr. and Phyllis Guy; her favorite cousin, Susan Randolph; her nephews, Kealean Biggs, Korey Biggs, and Anderson Guy III; along with a host of other loving family and dear friends.

Celebration of Life will be held Monday, April 6, 2026 11:00am at Breath of Life 7-Day Adventist Church, 5665 Knight Arnold Rd, Memphis, TN 38115.

Burial will take place Wednesday, April 8, 2026 12:00noon in Calvary Cemetery 1663 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106

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