Linda Swepston Dowdy

Linda Swepston Dowdy July 4, 1942 – October 30, 2025

Linda Swepston Dowdy, 83, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 4, 1942, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Linnie Virginia Barthett and Addison Garland Swepston, Linda truly came into this world with a “bang.” After graduating from Hall High School in Little Rock, she continued her education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she met and later married the love of her life, Cecil Gene Dowdy.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Cecil, and her sister Lee “FiFi” King. She is survived by her daughter, Nicki Nigro (Jeff); her son, Garland Dowdy (Rae); and her “adopted English daughter,” Donna Brackney (Bud). She was a proud grandmother to Jonathan (Mary), Nico (Yonne), Addison, and Drew, and a devoted sister to Sherri Swepston and Jennie Rabjohn. She was loved by her nieces, Malleson, Linnie and her nephews, Sam, Mark, Scott, and Bart, Walker, and Patrick.

A woman of faith, Linda rejoiced in the Lord and was a member of the United Methodist Church. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—boating, fishing, reading, sewing, cooking, and dancing. She had a deep love for animals and an even deeper love for her family, celebrating every milestone, big or small, with enthusiasm and pride. Known for her exuberant spirit, she was also the undisputed Gold Medal winner for being the loudest Arkansas Razorback caller in the world!

Throughout her career, Linda wore many hats, serving as an editor, publisher, campaign and marketing director, and as the director of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund. Volunteering was one of her greatest passions, and she gave generously of her time and heart to help others.

Linda’s warmth, laughter, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was truly one of a kind—a bright, joyful soul who made the world a better place.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on November 29, 2025, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5, Alexander, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Linda’s honor to the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas at www.spsfnwa.org.