Linda Horton Stephens

Mrs. Linda Faye Horton Stephens closed her eyes to enter eternal rest on Sunday, February 18 at her home in Erwin, North Carolina being 63 years of age. Linda was born to the late Julian and Juanita Horton in Orlando, Florida on May 25, 1954. In addition to her parents, Linda was proceeded in death by one brother: Larry Horton; and one sister: Betty Flurry.

Linda met the man that would be her's forever in the 1969 in Florida and on April, 24, 1972 they wed and to this union two daughters were born. The day that James first noticed Linda was not by his own choosing (not that he wouldn't have looked twice on his own) but Linda and her sister Betty were watching James play baseball. James had already unknowingly caught Linda's eye and to ensure that he noticed her sister too Betty threw a baseball at him, hitting him in the face and as he turned around to see who had thrown the ball, he saw Linda and once his eyes landed on her, they would never leave. Linda was a very simple person, she didn't desire the things that shined as far a materialistic things went; but instead her family was far more precious than gold in her eyes to her. She was a devout Christian, dedicating a lot of her time to her relationship with her lord and savior. She had believed in the Baptist faith and attended Porter's Chapel Baptist Church in Erwin. Linda spent her years as a very hard worker both in and outside of her home. She could have been called a jack of all trades as she had steadily held many different jobs; to name a few, She had worked at the Hampton Inn, in the local hospital cancer ward, she had been a waitress, a parking attendant and most recently she had worked at the local Food Lion were she had been for 18 years. Linda believed in working hard but she didn't let that cloud her view of what was most important to her, after her work day was over, she would make her way home to spend the rest of the day with those that were most dear to her. She loved eating at the Mexican restaurant, which was one of her favorite foods, she liked the food but it was probably her favorite because it had become a Friday night tradition to have dinner there with her daughters. She also really enjoyed eating at the Golden Corral, but if the truth were to be known that was probably because of the vast variety of deserts they offered. She loved her sweets, especially chocolate, she would often eat very small portions of a meal to save plenty of room to enjoy deserts. She was a wonderful cook and was known for her famous sweet potato casserole and cornbread. Her favorite color was blue and her favorite song was "That Caribbean Queen" by Billy Ocean. You could always find her listening to music and she enjoyed many different artists and genres. In her leisure time she enjoyed going shopping, especially to thrift stores. Her sisters-in-laws, her children and her could often be found at her house jamming to music and having dance offs in the living room as she had loved to dance. She enjoyed the parts of life that brought joy and didn't allow that which was negative in, she was always laughing, picking and joking; while also bringing laughter to those who were around her. Her daughters can recall her saying quite regularly "Life is too serious as it is. Everyone needs a good laugh." She was the queen at playing "Spades" and she was proud of it too, if you didn't play as her partner, you knew you were not going to win. She had a dog named Gizmo, who had been her faithful companion and lapdog for many years before his passing. In 1997 Linda and James bought a home in the country, Linda longed for the quiet of country life, she spent many of her days sitting on her porch listening to her wind chimes which she loved, watching the birds and adoring the beautiful scenes of nature that accompanied the seasons. She remained there for the rest of her years. Mrs. Stephens will be remembered as a simple woman who loved everything about life, she was able to find the beauty in it without it having a price tag attached and her heart was full because of people and not things. She was compassionate and was always the open arms her children came to when they needed a listening ear, that would not only listen to what they had brought to her but also tell them the truth about it. So, let us not be sad, but rather let us rejoice in a life well lived.

Left behind to cherish the many memories of a woman whose worth was far more precious than rubies are the following members of her family: Her loving husband of 45 years: James Stephens; Two daughters: Jennifer Serafino and husband Tony; Christie Cappara and Adam Carter. Four grandchildren: Stephanie Stephens; Christopher Serafino; Victoria Stephens; and Anthony Cappara. Three Sisters-In-Law who were also her best friends: Vickie Hall; Doris Stephens; and Sarah Baxley.

The family of Mrs. Linda Faye Horton Stephens will receive friends from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on February 22, 2018 at the Porter's Chapel Baptist Church.

A Funeral Service to commemorate the life of Mrs. Linda Faye Horton Stephens will be held on February 22, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Porter's Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Lester Hunter officiating. Burial will follow in the Cumberland Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.

In lieu of customary remembrances the family asks that donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

All arrangements are entrusted to Cromartie Miller Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cromartiemiller.com