Linda Fay Barton, 87, passed peacefully on June 13, 2026, at Sunshine Nursing Home in Pontotoc, Mississippi. She was a woman whose life was marked by faith, family, and an extraordinary gift for music.
Linda was born on October 7, 1938, in Stanford, Arkansas, to Ray and Daisy Stringer Gramling. She made her way to Pontotoc, Mississippi, to marry Bobby Barton on September 2, 1956. The years that followed took the family to various areas as Bobby’s career led them, before they returned to Pontotoc in 1968, where Linda would spend the rest of her life.
Music was Linda’s gift and her calling. She served as music director at Harmony Baptist Church, Black Zion Baptist Church, and The Anchor Baptist Church, and sang with a traveling quartet that carried gospel music to congregations throughout the Columbus, Georgia area. She never turned down an opportunity to sing, and those who heard her were always glad she didn’t.
A charter member of The Anchor Baptist Church in Pontotoc, Linda’s love for the Lord was the foundation of her life.
Linda is survived by her sons, Steve (Kim) Barton of Pontotoc and Mark (Valerie) Barton of Flowood, Mississippi; her grandchildren, Heather Lewis, Kaitlyn Barton, Bethany McIntosh, Addison Barton, Leah Moran, and Kyla Barton; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers-in-law Charles Barton and J.D. Barton; sister-in-law Jo Barton; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Barton; her parents, Ray and Daisy Gramling; and her brothers, Dallas Gramling and Arthur Gramling.
Visitation will be held Monday 5-7 p.m.and an hour before service. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m.. All will be located at The Anchor Baptist Church in Pontotoc, with Brother Philip Caples officiating.
Pallbearers will Addison Barton, Mitchell McIntosh, D.J. Smith, Bill Gramling, Roger Barton, and Lebron Barton. Honorary pallbearers will be Evit John and Don Barton.
Tutor Memorial Funeral Home, Pontotoc, MS is in charge of the arrangements.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” — Psalm 100:1
