Steven Laurice Burnside, 71
April 8, 1954 – January 29, 2026
Tupelo- Steven Laurice “Steve” Burnside, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed peacefully from this life on January 29, 2026, at his home in Tupelo, surrounded by his cherished loved ones. Born on April 8, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio. Steve grew up in the rich soil of the Mississippi Delta around Cleveland. He later called Greenville home for a time, where he spent 10 years in retail at Steinmart, building a strong work ethic and friendly spirit that defined him.
A proud graduate of Corinth High School, Steve carried the heart of the Delta with him wherever life took him. In October 1975, he married the love of his life, Debra Faye Swann, and together they built a beautiful home in Tupelo, Mississippi, where they shared over 50 years of marriage filled with laughter, support, and unwavering commitment. Steve was a man of deep faith, a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Verona, and also connected to Harrisburg Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Tupelo. His love for the Lord shone brightest in the way he lived—generously, humbly, and always putting others first.
A true Southern gentleman, Steve found joy in the simple pleasures that grounded him: cheering for Ole Miss football with passion (Hotty Toddy!), casting a line while fishing, tracking game during hunting season, feeling the wind on motorcycle rides, and lifting his voice to the soul-stirring sounds of Southern Gospel music. These were the moments that lit up his eyes and brought him peace. But above all else, Steve loved his family with a fierce, tender devotion. He was never happier than when he was “Poppie” to his granddaughters, spoiling them with stories, hugs, and that special twinkle reserved just for them. His family was his greatest treasure, his legacy, and the center of his world.
Steve leaves behind a life well-lived—one marked by loyalty, faith, hard work, and an abundance of love. Though we grieve his absence, we celebrate the light he brought to so many and take comfort in knowing he is now home with his Lord, free from pain, surrounded by eternal joy. May his example inspire us all to love deeply, live faithfully, and cherish every moment with those we hold dear.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Monday, February 2, 2026, in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. David Hamilton officiating and Bro. Randy Wood singing. Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 PM Sunday February 1, 2026, at Holland Funeral Directors. Visitation Monday will begin at 1:00 until service time. Burial will follow at Lee Memorial Park For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 2 PM Monday and will be archived thereafter.
Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debra Swann Burnside of Tupelo; daughters: Stephanie Dunaway (Anthony) of Belden and Brooke Magers of Saltillo; grandchildren: Anna Lauren Dunaway and Marlee Magers; brother, Billy Burnside (Wanda) of Blue Springs; aunt and uncle who helped raise him, Dorothy Rhodes (her late husband Jerry Rhodes Sr.) of Milton, FL; cousin, which was like his brother, Jerry Rhodes Jr. (Kim) of Milton, FL; sister-in-law Diane McMickin (Randy) of Tupelo; nieces, Amy Stieg and Ashley Batchelor (Keith) of Memphis; nephews, Jefferey Burnside of Blue Springs, Jeremy Burnside (Candice) of Water Valley.
He was preceded in death by dad, Laurice Lee Burnside and grandparents.
Memorials can be made to American Heart Association at www.heart.org Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving this family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
~
