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Myrtis Stearnes Obituary
Myrtis was a 1942 graduate of Spencer High School in Phenix City, Alabama, a 1946 graduate of Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University), and a 1970 Master's degree recipient of Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, Indiana, and DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, respectively.
She was joined in holy matrimony to George Lee Stearnes on June 20,1945 in Phenix City, Alabama. To this union, one daughter, Linda, was born. For 55 years and 8 months, Myrtis served as First Lady of Logan Park Assembly of Christ Church in Gary, Indiana.
She was employed by the Gary Community School Corporation from 1967 to 1991, as a business education teacher at Tolleston High School and West Side High School.
Myrtis is preceded in death by her husband, George Lee Stearnes; her parents, Dewey and Mabel Smith; and brother, Dewey (Francis) Smith, Jr.
Memories will be forever cherished by her loving and devoted daughter, Linda (Keith) Eller of Merrillville, Indiana; two beloved granddaughters, Joi-Lyn Eller of Belleville, MI, and Keisha (Darzel Jr.) Eller-Price of Merrillville, Indiana; two great-granddaughters, Nyla-Kerrington and Jordyn-Klaire Price of Merrillville, Indiana, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, July 7, 2023, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with Homegoing Services on Saturday, July 8, 2023, 10:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Logan Park Assembly of Christ Church, 1513 Polk Street Gary, Indiana 46407. Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery Gary, Indiana.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Myrtis Stearnes
Joaquina D. Stearnes -George
August 26, 2023
I've fond memories of you, Rest Easy Auntie..
Le´Vern Hodge-Bliss
July 11, 2023
My condolence to the family I was one of her students I at West Side she was very nice. And she was dedicated to her students, and we all loved her
West Side Class of 86
Shawn Fordham-Likens
July 11, 2023
My condolences. I am a former student of Mrs. Stearnes. Very well respected. She was a teacher who cared and was passionate about her work. My prayers to her family. West Side Class of 1986.
Larry and Linda Harris Webb
July 10, 2023
May God bless this beautiful family during this most difficult time.
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Dawn JE
July 10, 2023
Please know that Mrs. Stearnes was a beloved teacher at West Side High School. She was kind and dedicated to her students. She has always over the years come to mind because she is the one who taught me and many other students how to type and use a keyboard. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family´s loss.
West Side Class of 1975
Rose Greer
July 10, 2023
Linda, I´m so sorry for your loss. Definitely praying for you and your family.
Rodney and Cynthia Stevens
July 8, 2023
God bless you Linda and family. We will continue to pray and lift you up before the Lord, now and always.
Mrs. Stearns was and is a great teacher in and out of the class room. I will always be grateful for the time we shared this world with her.
Michael & Ermalene Gault Sr
July 6, 2023
Linda, Keith & family,
Your mother's at peace. Think of the good times and smile. For comfort read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15,17,19,20,22. May The Creator bring you peace during this time.
Susie Peterson-Wren
July 6, 2023
My condolences to your family. Mrs. Stearnes was one of my high school teachers. She was so kind and always had a smile on her face.
Patricia Thompson
July 6, 2023
To The Family of Mrs. Myrtis L. Stearnes: I was saddened to learn of the passing of your BELOVED mother. She was my Shorthand Teacher at West Side Senior High School, and such a sweet spirit. Hold dear to the precious memories of her, and know that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. May GOD strengthen you n this most difficult hour. You are in my prayers.
Scott
July 6, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Andre and Tonya Mabon
July 5, 2023
She will forever be missed! Our first Lady! A lady of grace and beauty! Prayers of love and condolence for the family
Bernita Drayton
July 2, 2023
My deepest condolences to the family, friends and ex-students of Mrs. Stearnes. She was a great educator and cared for her students. Rest in Peace.
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