Elizabeth "Carnation"

Radford Stepp

“

her dedication to her church and her music left a lasting impression

Elizabeth “Carnation” Radford Stepp passed away on November 6, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on August 9, 1951, she will be remembered with deep love for the joy she brought to those around her and for the steady, faithful presence she carried throughout her life.

Carnation devoted herself to meaningful work at H.I.S Jean Factory, where she worked in sewing. She was also a woman of many simple and cherished joys. She loved singing, playing the piano, enjoying bingo, and spending time watching Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. These familiar pleasures were part of the rhythm of her days and reflected a spirit that found comfort, happiness, and connection in music, fellowship, and everyday moments.

Music was especially central to her life. Carnation was a musician for many years, a gift she shared generously and faithfully. One of her proudest accomplishments was her membership at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in South Fulton, Tennessee, where she served as musician for more than 25 years. Her dedication to her church and her music left a lasting impression, and her service stands as a beautiful testament to her devotion, her talent, and her faithfulness.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory forward: her sons, Pastor James (Beth) Radford, Steve (April) Trice, and Chris Trice; her daughters, Melissa (Greg) Martin and Angela Higginson; 23 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; siblings, Roy (Jean) Radford, Lydia Larkins, Elaine (Selby) Grubbs, Frances Radford, Ronnell Johnson, Coy Radford, Pastor Moses (Calvonia) Radford, Rev. Dennis Radford, Fredrick Radford, and Hilda Radford; a host of nieces and nephews. Their lives were part of the circle of love that surrounded her, and her memory will remain a treasured part of their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Magdalene Jessup Barbee; her father, Rev. Edward Radford; her brothers, James Radford, Billy Radford, Willie Radford, and Kenneth Radford; and her sisters, Bettie Ann Cheatham, Evelyn Radford, and Herletta Radford. As her family remembers her, they also honor the loved ones who welcomed her into eternal rest.

Visitation will be held on November 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 801 East 4th Street, Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Burial will take place on November 13, 2026, at Rocky Ridge Baptist Church, 2697 Rocky Ridge Road, Cadiz, Kentucky 42211.

Elizabeth “Carnation” Radford Stepp will be remembered for her music, her warmth, and the love she shared with family, church, and friends. Her life made a lasting difference, and her memory will continue to be cherished by all who knew and loved her.