Linda Givens

Linda “Boo” Givens, age 61, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, made her peaceful transition on June 14, 2026. She was born on September 19, 1964, in Holly Grove, Arkansas, to the late Sidney Nesby and Odesia Johnson-Nesby.

Linda was raised in Marvell, Arkansas, and later became a lifelong resident of the Lake County, Illinois area. She attended Marvell High School and earned her General Education Diploma in Lake County, Illinois. Throughout her life, she worked in many different roles, but her greatest passion was her family and her church.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at New Zion Baptist Church in Marvell, Arkansas, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Later, she joined Pentecostal Ministries of Apostolic Faith in Zion, Illinois, under the leadership of Bishop Dennis R. Jones, Sr., and Regina Jones, where she faithfully served as an ordained missionary, usher, choir member, and praise leader.

Linda was known for her generous spirit and willingness to help others. She loved singing, praying, volunteering, and encouraging those around her. She would stop and pray for anyone in need, whether friend or stranger.

On April 6, 1996, Linda was united in Holy Matrimony to Pastor David Givens. Together, they faithfully served in ministry until her passing. Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, and shopping. Her favorite colors were red and white.

Linda leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband, Pastor David Givens; seven daughters, Tenisha (Antoine) Mitchell, Sherketa Nelson, Andrea (Daven Sr.) McKnight, Tasheka Haughton, LaDana Givens, LaDava Givens, and Tehya Givens; six sons, Aaron Jr. (Lisa) Nelson, Daron (Tarius) Nelson, Jarvis Givens, Nicodemus Givens, Sidney Givens, and Isaiah Givens; as well as Jeremiah Givens, David Givens Jr., and is proceeded in death by Joslynn Givens who she also raised as her own.

She also leaves to cherish memories; her siblings, Erwin (O’Lain) Nesby of Texarkana, Texas, Hilda Watley of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Nolin Nesbitt of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Darlene (Clifford) Sims of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Linda also leaves behind 72 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney Nesby and Odesia Johnson-Nesby; her brothers, Melvin Nesby and LeeAndrew Nesby.

Visitation service will be hold on June 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Jesus Name Apostolic Church, 208 Lake St, Waukegan, IL 60085, followed by a service starting at 11:00 a.m. burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park.