By BETH CHAPMAN / Community Columnist

Linda and Evan Major have been married for 47 years. They have been and still are a power couple of our community.

Linda retired in 2002 as the supervisor of Career Technical Education for Shelby County schools, and Evan retired in 2007 as the superintendent.

The two met at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Sylacauga in 1957. That may be one of the reasons their advice to young couples is, “Put God in the center of your marriage.” They also agreed important decisions need to be made together, making the final decision an agreement between the two.

The Majors say to laugh at yourself and remember a problem can be fixed.

When dealing with children, they advise when one is handling the situation, the other shouldn’t intervene until they are alone. “Be supportive of each other in front of your children.”

Their secret to a successful marriage is “Partnership – your mate should also be your best friend.” They say, “Talk, talk, talk because communication is the key.”

The Majors have two adult children. Melonie Sturm married Richard. Their son, Fred Major is married to Dr. Jenny Dollar. Linda and Evan have three grandchildren.

During their retirement, Linda and Evan have enjoyed spending more time with their family – especially their grandchildren and attending their school activities. They also enjoy travelling and gardening and did I mention playing with the grandchildren?

Evan enjoys golf and serves on the board of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and Shelby County Historical Society. He is a lay leader at Columbiana United Methodist Church.

Linda is a member of the Vignette Club, United Methodist Women, is an ambassador for the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, works with the Shelby County Arts Council and is on the board of the Columbiana Library.

While you can take the couple out of education, you cannot take the love of education out of the couple. That is why they are both active volunteers at Elvin Hill Elementary School.

Linda and Evan are not only one of Shelby County’s power couples, but they have had one “major” marriage.

 

Beth Chapman, Alabama’s secretary of state, is a Shelby County resident. You can reach her at bethchapman@bellsouth.net.