Linda Steadman Dekle, 77

Linda Steadman Dekle, age 77, of Swainsboro, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026, in Atlanta. Funeral service was held Saturday, November 7, at 11 a.m. at First Methodist Church of Swainsboro. Private burial followed at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Savannah. Family received friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Pallbearers were Smith Dekle, Sutton Dekle, Adam Gay, Ethan Williams, Cameron Davidson and Carson Davidson

Linda was born January 1, 1949, in Savannah, to the late Thomas Edwin Steadman and Florence Barbara Sutton Steadman. Her childhood years were spent in Savannah before moving to Swainsboro in 1965 as a new high school student. On her first day at Swainsboro High School, she caught the attention of Jim Dekle. The two were married in 1969 and have spent 57 years of marriage together.

Linda began her career at The Citizens Bank in her twenties until she stepped away to raise her children and she also provided care for numerous other children in the community. Throughout her working career, she worked for Northland Cable, owned and operated Ivy’s Florist, and retired from The Sunshine House, a child advocacy center. She dedicated her life to serving others with unwavering support and unconditional love.

Linda was a member of First Methodist Church of Swainsboro for more than 50 years, where she also served as Secretary of the Administrative Council and was a member of the Shirley Reid Circle of The United Methodist Women. Known for her love of flowers and dedication to her community, Linda was actively involved in the Seedling Garden Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution where she was proud to have an ancestor that fought in the Revolutionary War in Virginia. She was also a member of The Emanuel County Historical Society. Linda’s most cherished role was “Nana” to her four grandchildren, Lottie, Smith, Audrey, and Sutton where she instilled a passion for learning and offered unconditional love and support. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Dekle is preceded in death by her brother, Alexander H. Steadman.

Survivors include her loving husband of 57 years, James “Jimbo” Dekle of Swainsboro; daughter and son-in-law, Ivy Dekle Doss and Lamar of Atlanta; son and daughter-in-law, Trey Dekle and Allison of the Excelsior Community; beloved grandchildren, Amelia Doss, Smith Dekle, Audrey Doss and Sutton Dekle; brothers, Tommy Steadman (Donna) and Billy Steadman (Christie); sister, Mary Alice Steadman Webb (Joey); and several nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank you for your love and support during this time. Your kindness and encouragement brought great comfort to our family.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson-Newman Funeral Homes and Kennedy-Hooks Funeral Homes.