Linda Swords Stepp, a loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister passed away June 28, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice House following a short illness at the age of 85. Linda was born September 3, 1940, in Pontotoc County to the late Enoch Joseph and Cora Lee Dorrough Swords. On November 16, 1957, she married Raymond “Pete” Stepp, a union that lasted 57 years, until his death on January 26, 2015. Linda was a longtime member of Cairo Baptist Church and later became a member of Ozark Baptist Church. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life enjoying a fresh manicure and pedicure, treating herself to a good cup of ice cream, expanding her beloved shoe collection, and relaxing while watching her favorite television shows. Above all else, Linda’s heart belonged to her family. She loved them dearly and fiercely. Her ultimate joy came from her great grandchildren, their warm hugs were the things she loved most in all of the world. She will be missed tremendously by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love lives on through her surviving family, children, Debra Adams (Lanny), Renee Stepp, and Randle Stepp (Telethia); grandchildren, Scarlett Adams Cates (Dean), Wesley Evan Adams (Laci) and Hannah Stepp May (Drew); great grandchildren, Lillianna Grace Cates, Gunner Cole Cates, Tucker Lane Cates, Evan Christopher Adams, Fisher Reid Adams, Indi Noel Adams and Peyton Montana May; siblings, Joseph Lanier Swords (Arlene), Mary Ann Swords Denton, Jerry Lane Swords, Danny Glynn “Chuck” Swords (Lenita), and Jackie Lee Swords; extended family, numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Linda was reunited in Heaven with her husband; her parents; her infant grandson, Noah Cade Stepp; her mother- in- law, Doshie Stepp; her siblings, Bobby Swords, Herbert Maize Swords, Martha Ellen Swords, Elford Ledean Swords, Carolyn Jean Swords and Jeanette Swords; her niece, Donna Denton Goins.
A graveside service celebrating Linda’s life will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11:00AM at the Pontotoc Memorial Gardens, 4677 Old Hwy 9 North Pontotoc, MS; her grandson, Wesley, will deliver the eulogy and remarks. Honoring her in their final acts of service, her great grandsons and grandsons- in- law will serve at pallbearers.
Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The Stepp family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of The Sanctuary Hospice House. Thank you for treating our mother with the upmost dignity, tenderness and care. Your extraordinary kindness and sympathy mean the world to us.
