It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Elkins. Linda passed away peacefully by her sister’s side early morning on Friday May 3rd. She is survived by her two sons, William Stanley Elkins II & Holland Noah Elkins, twin sister Lisa Sheree Conner, brother Marty Conner, sister Cristal McCallister, granddaughter Kayland Elkins, daughter-in-law Teresa Elkins and best friend Randall Smith.
Linda had been battling pancreatic cancer over the past few months. We can find solace and peace in knowing she is no longer suffering.
Linda was born on February 23rd, 1959, in Florence, AL. to her parents, Judith and Bill Conner. Throughout her early years, she excelled at multiple sports including softball, volleyball, track & field, and basketball. She attended Bradshaw High School where she won multiple state volleyball and basketball state championships. Linda and her twin sister Lisa, were the first Alabama-born women to sign a full athletic scholarship to a Division I University, Ole Miss. During her two years at Ole Miss, she helped the lady rebels to the NCAA tournament both years. She transferred to Memphis State University in 1980 to continue her education and was also inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame. She graduated with a bachelor’sdegree in business administration from the University of North Alabama in 1983. Linda and Lisa were inducted to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
Linda married the love of her life, William Stanley “Billy”Elkins in 1985. He preceded her in death in 2018. In 1986 theywelcomed their first son, William Stanley Elkins II and then in 1989 they welcomed their second son Holland Noah Elkins.
Linda was kindhearted and beautiful inside and out, she was not one to shy away from beauty pageants and contests. She enjoyed spending time with her family, nature walks, swimming,vacationing on the beaches of the Gulf Coast. She loved watching sporting events with Holland, Lisa and Randy and living vicariously through her son William’s adventures. She was a music enthusiast and enjoyed classic rock and 90’s R&B. She loved animals and kept a variety of pets throughout her life but her most adored pets were two chocolate labs, J.D. and Sable.
Her pride and joy were her two sons. She is credited with being the most influential person in their athletic careers. She shared a bond with her sister, Lisa, that only identical twins hope to have.
A service to celebrate the life of Linda Elkins will be held at Elkins Funeral Home Wednesday May 8th from 2pm-4pm. Visitation will begin at 2pm. Chapel service/memorial/speakers and guest speakers will commence at 3pm. (Elkins Funeral Home 1535 Hermitage Dr. Florence, AL. 35630)
“”I hope she knew that if I had the choice to keep my mom or to exchange her for anyone else, I would choose her 10/10. She gave me my one love in life that truly brings me joy…something that I would do for free…something I would play for the rest of my life…the game of baseball. She saw me as a player in little league, high school, college and finally an NCAA official. I don’t care how old you get, how professional you become, how much knowledge you acquire, how big of a man you are…you are never that far along to need a mothers nurturing or those loving caring words. There is an emptiness…a void that I have now that I will never be able to fill again. No hobby, drug, coping method, person can fill that hole except that one you lost, that one you hold most dear. The biggest travesty in life is losing those around you that you love the most. That is life, but I hate that part. At my worst, she would never judge me. She would give me her last dollar. She always took my side, even if the world knew I was wrong. She was my biggest fan. I hardly ever told her when I would come to town because I loved the way she reacted and looked at the surprise of me showing up unannounced. I would not be able to do the things I do now without you. You gave me the greatest gift of all…you gave me life….and mother, I love you more than life itself.” – William, proud son
“”We came into this world heart-to-heart next to each other, when she left this world, we were heart-to-heart next to each other. Our bond goes beyond this world, It has no ending, it is infinite. I will miss my sister more than anything in this world. I have lost a piece of me. I love you and will see you again soon.” – Lisa, Twin-Sister
“My football Saturdays and Sundays….Hell, to be honest, my everyday will never be the same again. I will miss our companionship dearly. She was one of the most beautiful people I ever knew. Your mom was tough as nails.” – Randall Smith, Best Friend
