Evelyn Jane Linkous, 75, of Bluewell, joined her son, brother, parents and many other cherished family members in Heaven on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Novant Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

Born on May 7, 1950 in Bluewell, she was the daughter of the late William Edward “Wish” and Creola Jane “Oshe” Poe Surface. She was a lifelong resident of Bluewell and an active member of Maple View Church of Christ. She was very strong in her faith and love for her Lord. She played the piano and collected lighthouses and hummingbirds.

She graduated from Bluefield High School, Bluefield State College and received her Masters in Education from Radford University. Her colleagues knew her as a natural born problem solver. She demonstrated that skill by serving her community as an Algebra teacher for more than 34 years at Central Jr. High and Bluefield Jr. High. Later in her professional career, she transitioned to administration, and was principal at several schools in Mercer County. She led with great integrity and was well respected for always being fair. She treated all students the same and never played favorites. She only retired to be there and to care for her grandchildren. 

Outside of school, she continued her love of children by being a vital part of the Walk the Walk Foundation, an organization that continued to grow annually over the last 15 years to provide back to school supplies and Christmas gifts for more than 500 children in the area. She was honored to be the recipient of their Jay Taylor award.

Since sharing a birthday with an aunt and being named after her, she was known as “Ebbie” to her family. Ebbie was the most caring, compassionate and giving soul ever imagined. She was the first one to help those in need, bake a cake, or just to be there to listen. She always wanted unity, and wanted us to love unconditionally and to do whatever it took to avoid conflict. She never made differences and even considered in-laws as her own. 

Her most beloved role was that of wife, mother, and grandmother. David was the love of her life for more than fifty five years. Together they welcomed three sons, Michael David, James Todd, and Thomas Edward. Although she was unable to see James Todd grow up, she never forgot him and held him close in her heart and memories. She was an amazing mother and always cherished the love of her boys. However, Michael and Tommy took a backseat upon the arrival of her four grandchildren; Andrew, Katelyn, Mikayla, and Ryan. In her eyes,her grandchildren could do no wrong and she was always there celebrating all of their milestones and helping them whenever she could. She was proud of each one of her grandchildren and her last text message expressed her love to all of them equally. 

In addition to her parents and son, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Donald Surface.

Survivors include her husband, David Linkous; son, Michael and wife Missy; son, Tommy Linkous and Kelly Sloan; grandchildren, Andrew Linkous, Katelyn Linkous, Mikayla Linkous and Ryan Linkous; brother, Bob Surface and wife Lois of Catharpin, sister-in-law, Nancy Surface of Landrum, SC; brother and sisters-in-law, Delores and Hamilton Jones, Linda Winners and Gary Linkous. She also cherished her many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families and often bragged on her “big” family.

In the last couple of years, she had grown fond of ice cream and her grand dogs, Ellie and Yoshe.  

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday February 27th at 11:00 at MapleView Church of Christ with Ministers Tony Reed and Eric Vance officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV where her grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Friends may call prior to services, from 10:00 to 11:00 at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund at MapleView Church of Christ, 194 Robbins Rest Road, Bluefield, WV 24701.