Linda Sue Stephens

Linda Sue Stephens, daughter of Claybourne and Irene Patton Stephens, was born October 10th, 1937 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky and entered her eternal heavenly home after a brief illness on February 1, 2018.

Linda Sue came from a long line of educators. Her parents and aunts were all teachers in Kentucky and her grandfather was the Superintendent of Floyd County Schools for many years. Linda Sue grew up in Prestonsburg, graduated from the University of Kentucky, and was awarded her Masters Degree in Education from Eastern Kentucky University.

Linda moved to Charlotte on July 30, 1968. She was a dedicated educator in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System for over 30 years. She began her career as a Guidance Counselor at West Mecklenburg High School and served as the advisor for the National Honor Society. The last half of her career she was an Academic Internship Coordinator and placed hundreds of students with business and medical professionals to prepare them for their future careers. Linda was a mentor to thousands of young people and adults and an inspiration to all. After retirement, Linda worked at the front desk at the Park Road YMCA where everyone who entered was greeted by her beautiful smile.

Linda was a dedicated and faithful member of Myers Park United Methodist Church where she was active in Bible Studies, Small Groups and was a commissioned Stephen Minister. She was never happier than when she was spending time worshipping her Lord. She began each morning with a devotional. Nothing came before her Bible readings, prayers and mediations. She would want anyone reading this that does not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior to prayerfully consider asking Jesus to forgive your sins and began a new life in Christ. She knew that even the strongest Christian can struggle and needs to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”, Ephesians 6:10-11. Linda’s trust and faith in the Lord carried her through her final days as she quietly whispered, “Be Still and Know That I Am God”, Psalms 46:10.

Fondly known by some as “Kentucky Woman”, Linda never missed watching a Kentucky Wildcats basketball game. Through the years her beloved poodles, Fanny, Lucy and Chloe anxiously awaited the outcome of each game snuggled in Linda’s lap. The first Saturday in May, Linda celebrated the running of the Kentucky Derby and singing “My Old Kentucky Home”. She cherished every trip back to her home state to spend time with her niece Melissa’s family and dear life-long friends.

Linda Sue is survived by her brother Claybourne Stephens of Peoria, Arizona, her beloved niece Melissa Whitton, 2 grandnieces Lanier and Sterrett of Lexington, Kentucky and numerous dear friends and Trianon neighbors to whom she was eternally grateful for the travel memories, shared meals and holidays, love, support, laughter, and care shown to her through the years.

Linda Sue was pre-deceased by her childhood friend Mary Jo LaPointe. They grew up on the same street in Prestonsburg, were roommates at EKU and traveled the world together through adulthood. Linda lead a very independent life style and lived life to the fullest.

A special thank you to Dr. Chandana Ganguli and the staff at Charlotte Medical Clinic and Linda’s Myers Park UMC care team for the compassion and care shown to Linda.

A Celebration of Life will be held February 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Myers Park United Methodist Church, Francis Chapel, 1501 Queens Road. Visitation immediately following in Jubilee Hall.

Memorials may be made to Myers Park UMC or the American Lung Association. Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com