Linda Searles Stevers

METROPOLIS, Ill. - Linda Searles Stevers, 84 of Metropolis passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Sept. 26, 1939, in Metropolis to Ellis Clyde and Inez Pearl (nee David) Searles; the youngest of three children. Her brothers lovingly nicknamed her Phoebe as a child.

A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Metropolis, Linda played both the piano and organ for church services and the church choir from her high school years through adulthood. She graduated from Metropolis Community High School in 1957 and then attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, as a music major. It was at SIU that Linda met the love of her life, Wayne E. Stevers. Wayne and Linda first met when Wayne needed someone to accompany him for a vocal solo. He approached Linda while she was practicing piano at Shryock Auditorium on the SIU campus and asked her if she would accompany him for his solo. She agreed but said she would have to go to Woody Hall (her dorm) to get the music needed. Wayne told her he would walk with her, so the boogie bear didn't get her. Linda, having just met Wayne, was a little uneasy, thinking Wayne himself could be the boogie bear. Sure enough, he was, and he got her. Three years later, Wayne and Linda married at the First United Methodist Church in Metropolis. Linda continued to accompany Wayne's solos through 46 wonderful years of marriage. They were blessed with two children.

Linda dedicated several years to the Metropolis School System, teaching children from first grade through high school in classroom music and band. She was also one of the most favored piano teachers in Metropolis, holding private lessons in her home for up to 20 students a week.

She was a very loving and devoted Mom, supporting her children no matter the difficulties they faced. She encouraged them to continue their education, faithfully taught them to live a Christian lifestyle, and was always there to listen. When her children reached high school, Linda started a career with J.C. Penney and remained there until she retired.

Linda is survived by her children, David Wayne Stevers of McKinney, Texas and Katherine Ann "Kathy" Stevers of Nashville; three grandchildren, Katherine Corlena "Kacie" Stevers of Nashville, Haley Renee Stevers of Plano, Texas, Michael Jacob Stevers of Blue Hill, Nebraska, and two great grandchildren, Kaylee Elizabeth Hodge and Jacksun Wayne Shubert of Nashville, Illinois. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Angelian Faye Stevers, several nieces and nephews, many cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wayne E. Stevers; her parents; her brothers, James (Evelyn) Clyde Searles and William Robert Searles.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 7, at Grand Chain Masonic Cemetery, New Grand Chain. There will be no visitation. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be left online at aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.