Myrtis L. (Smith) Stearnes

Myrtis L. Stearnes passed away peacefully at Symphony Assisted Living Center in Crown Point, Indiana on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. She was the first born to Dewey and Mabel (Bailey) Smith on June 7, 1925, in Phenix City, Alabama.

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.

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