Linda Myers Samuels 06/01/1940 - 02/23/2026
Linda Myers Samuels, age 85, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Linda was a woman of profound faith in Jesus and deep devotion to her family and friends.
Born the youngest of 3 girls on June 1, 1940 in Hilham, TN to the late Edward and Jennie Myers. Linda grew up in Hilham, Tennessee with little material possessions but with a wealth of love and faith in God. She was 12 years old when they moved to Detroit, Michigan. At 18 years old she met her husband Larry at their mutual workplace in Detroit. After their marriage in November 1959, they moved to San Diego, CA where her husband served in the US Navy for 4 years. In 1963 they moved back to the Detroit area settling in Clawson, Michigan where they would raise their family and live a faithful life of service to the Lord at their home church, Clawson Church of Christ. Together, they built a loving home centered on God and strong family values. Linda spent her time raising her children, serving at church, caring for her mother and doing good wherever she went. They moved to the Knoxville area after retirement in 1997.
Linda will always be remembered for her beautiful alto voice. Beginning in the late 1960's she sang with the Silvertones quartet with Sue Phillips, Melanie Smith, Don Smith and Warren Smith. For 14 years they traveled the Midwest and Southern states to sing at churches and events spreading the good news of the gospel. They left us with the treasure of 8 recorded albums of their music. It was a ministry that lasted over 30 years as they continued to sing any time they could be together. They touched countless lives with the message of Jesus Christ!
She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 66 years, Larry Samuels. She is also survived by her 3 children: Scott (Christie) Samuels, Kent (Lisa) Samuels, and Jill (Brigham) Freeze. Her favorite job was being a loving Nana to 7 grandchildren: Jordan (Jessica) Samuels, Abby (Alex) Lennex, Katelyn (Jordan) McCallie, Jacob Samuels, Easton (Eleanor) Freeze, Callie Freeze, and Caden Freeze. And the bonus joy of 8 Great grandchildren: Emma, Eli, Ella, Loren, Ezekiel, Valerie, Marleigh and Baby McCallie due in September. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Myers and Jennie Myers Chaffin, and her sisters, Maxine Slingerland and Dottie Howard.
A celebration of Linda's life will be held at the Maryville Church of Christ in Maryville, TN. Visitation will be on Saturday February 28, 2026 from 2:30 PM - 4 PM and Service will be at 4 PM. Interment will be held at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 PM on Wednesday March 4, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to World English Institute (WEI) 1525 NW Division Street Gresham, OR 97030 or worldenglishinstitute.net for online donations.
