Phyllis Nivens Lineberger Obituary

Mrs. Phyllis Nivens Lineberger, 82, of Gastonia, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at TerraBella Cramer Mountain with her family by her side.  She was born in Gastonia, the daughter of the late William Boyd, Sr. and Kathleen Edwards Nivens.

Phyllis was a graduate of St. Andrews College.  She began her career in education in Gaston County Schools where she would serve for more than 30 years, with most of that time spent at Sherwood Elementary.  She was a longtime, active member of Flint Groves Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and participated in the outreach ministry through the Alan Main Community Care Center.  She was also an avid pianist and soloist.  She was a member of the Rays of Sunshine group that would go to assisted living centers every Sunday to sing for the residents.  She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Survivors of Mrs. Lineberger include her beloved husband of 61 years, Johnny Anderson Lineberger; daughters and sons-in-law, Scottie Ann McClure and David of Lake Wylie, SC; Jennifer Lineberger Ledford and Jack of Gastonia; grandchildren, Ashley Webb (Jeremy), Tripp Ledford, Tristan Ledford (Brooke), Dalton Ledford, Jon Ledford (Allie), and Lauren Large (Austin); great-grandchildren, Noelle Webb, Brody Ledford, Kadence Webb, Everly Ledford, and Oakley Large; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Gerald Nivens and Terence Nivens and half brothers, Howard, Lloyd, Floyd, Ralph, Edward, and W.B. Nivens, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia.  A funeral service will follow at 2:00pm in Founders Chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Chris Howell officiating.  The service will be live streamed on the funeral home’s website.  A service of committal will then follow at Gaston Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Via Health Partners, 7845 Little Ave., Charlotte, NC 28226, www.viahp.org <http://www.viahp.org/>.

Condolence messages may be shared at www.McLeanFuneral.com <http://www.McLeanFuneral.com/>.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Lineberger.