Mrs. Linda Stone

A Celebration of Life for Linda Devonne Nelson Stone “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 A TIME TO BE BORN Linda Devonne Nelson Stone, the fourth child of six siblings, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 4, 1963, to God-loving parents, Lloyd and Virgie Nelson. Reared in a happy home, her parents taught their children to love and respect others as well as to be a person worth knowing. The children took their parents’ teachings to heart as they began to grow and glow in the community. The family attended Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church and served the Lord with their time, energy, and resources. A TIME TO PLANT She received her formal education in the public schools of Kansas City, Missouri, graduating with honors from Southeast High School in 1981. A popular, well-rounded student, she was not content to get her lesson only; to no one’s surprise, she was very active in extra-curricular activities at Southeast. She sang in the high school choir, was a member of the pom-pom team and the Marching Leopards, a community drill team. After graduation, she enrolled in Penn Valley Community College to further her academic coursework. Subsequently, she worked several years employed by DST. A TIME TO EMBRACE New relationships blossomed during this season of her life. She met Marvin Stone, III, in 1996 and married in 1997. They moved to Denver, Colorado in 1999, and they welcomed their only child, Marvin IV, in 2002. For several years, Linda was a stay-at-home mother, a role which she deeply cherished. She eventually accepted various employment assignments in the mortgage and retail divisions with Sun Trust Bank and Walmart, respectively, after the family moved from Denver to Houston in 2005. Not only was Linda a loving wife and mother, but one who also enjoyed several hobbies: music, cooking, arts and crafts, sewing, traveling, and photography. More importantly, she and her family joined The Windsor Village Church Family and for fifteen years, they became committed Kingdom Builders. Uncommonly, she and Marvin III joined the same choir: the Celebration Delegation (CD’s), while Marvin IV joined the church school, the Children’s Choir, and Outbreak. A TIME TO DIE Breast cancer claimed Linda’s life on November 17, 2019. Initially diagnosed in 2012 with Stage 2 Breast Cancer, she completed treatment at the end of 2013, but, unfortunately, was again diagnosed in 2017; this time the ravager appeared in its final form: Stage 4. He claimed her body but did not conquer her soul. Miraculously, the lifelong Spirit of Christ that dwelled within Linda did not abandon her during this earthly crisis. She persevered with dignity and courage; family, friends, and medical personnel marveled at her sustained strength and unwavering faith in God as The ultimate Deliverer, The only One who could and did welcome her into The Kingdom. Survivors who mourn her passing and praise her resurrection: husband Marvin, III; son Marvin, IV; parents Lloyd and Virgie Nelson; sisters Veda Nelson, Terri Nelson-Stringer, Wendy Nero, and Ericka Nelson; brother Steve Nelson; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, and former co-workers. The Believer’s Declaration of Liberation Thank You, Holy Spirit, for helping us to release all control to You so that God’s Perfect Will for our lives today is done. © In the Name of Jesus. Amen. By: Dr. Earl Allen

Mrs. Linda Stone

March 4, 1963 - November 17, 2019