Velma A. (Anderson) Linear

Velma A. Linear, age 90, of Alliance, passed away the morning of Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at her home.

She was born to Ella Mae (Jenkins) Anderson and Matthew D. Anderson, Sr. on August 23, 1929, in Alliance, Ohio.

Velma was the beloved wife of Everett Linear and loving mother of Artis M. Linear (deceased) and Byron C. Linear of Canton, Ohio.

Mrs. Linear was the proud grandmother of Brent E. Linear, Ashley Linear, Michael Linear, Jennifer Linear and Elsianne Bennett and great-grandsons, Trevor and Xavier Morgan, Alex and Jackson Bryant and Brent E. Linear, Jr.

Velma was a member of Second Baptist Church from 1941 until the time of her death. She served her church for many years as a Sunday school teacher, senior choir member and senior organist.

Mr. Linear was a graduate of Alliance High School, University of Mount Union (B.S. in education) and Westminster University in Pennsylvania (M in education).

Velma taught in Alliance City Schools for 24 years. She founded and operated Linear Private Elementary School from 1987-1993, Linear Tutoring Service from 1993-2001 and she retired from River Tree Christian School in 2006.

She received permanent certification from the State of Ohio in Administration, Supervision and Teaching in 1987 and was also a holder of a private school K-6 Charter in 1987. Mrs. Linear was a lifetime member of the National Education Association.

Velma is survived by brother, Matthew (Ruby) Anderson of Alliance.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Linear, whom she married July 2, 1950; siblings, Mable Anderson, Bertha Blackburn,  and Mary Helen Joyce, of Canton, Ohio and Artis L. Anderson.

Other relatives include a cousin, Imogene Williams of Chicago IL and several nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews.

Mrs. Linear was the recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award in 1992 from the Stark County Community Action Agency and the Pastors and Community Icon Award in 2010.

She was especially proud of having twice been chosen (1992 & 1999) by students who graduated in the top 10% of their classes at Alliance High School as the educator who most influenced them in their decisions to excel academically.

Velma was an avid reader, who enjoyed traveling, gardening, music and spending time with her family. Her favorite hymn was “Jesus Is All the World to Me”.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 26th at Second Baptist Church with Pastor Willie Bell officiating.

Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601.