Stanley Wayne Stephens

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures: He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou are with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalm Twenty Three Stanley Wayne Stephens was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on September 2, 1965 to the union of Joe Charles and Flora Brownlee Stephens. After his 42nd season, on Sunday, April 13, 2008, at the Sierra Vista Community Hospital in Sierra Vista, Arizona, he departed this life and took flight for his eternal home in heaven. Stanley attended school in the Arkadelphia School District and was a 1983 graduate of Arkadelphia Sr. High School. Stanley exhibited all the characteristics of a true athlete, excelling in both football and basketball. Stanley attended St. Ruth Baptist Church and served in the United States Army. He later moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona, where he worked for a local construction company and was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church. Stanley was preceded in death by his grandparents; Delia Mae Stephens and Leo Brownlee, Sr. He leaves indelible impressions in the heart and minds of his children: Jasmine & her husband Lee Wilson of Texarkana, TX, and their son Sean Wilson, Stanley W. Stephens, Jr., of Portland, OE, and Sydney Stephens of Sierra Vista, AZ; his parents Joe Charles Stephens of Flint, MI and Flora Brownlee Stephens of Atlanta, GA; one sister Kasey & her husband Will Summerville and their children Jade of UAPB-Pine Bluff, AR, and Jansen of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; his grandmother Mrs. Florida Gillette of Arkadelphia, AR (Gum Springs Community); five aunts, Victoria Ross of Ypsilanti, MI, Carla Elbert of Flint, MI, LaTosca Gray of Ypsilanti, MI., Pat Hoskins of Conway, AR, and Karen Norris of Lawrenceville, GA; one uncle, Kevin Gillette of El Paso, TX; a great-uncle, Willie Mack Connor of Arkadelphia, AR (Gum Springs Community), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and numerous friends. The last farewell to Mr. Stanley Wayne Stephens will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of St. Ruth Baptist Church in the Gum Springs Community. Rev. Vernon Moody, pastor of Mt. Morriah Baptist Church, will preach a message of comfort and hope. Rev. James H. Giles, Sr., pastor of St. Paul AME Church will officiate. The Committal Service & Final Resting Place will be at the Gum Springs Cemetery in Arkadelphia, the Gum Springs Community. Active bearers of the casket will be Tyrone Hunter, Reginald Summerville, Duane “Ditto” Taylor, Eric Wells, Michael Jones and Loys Smith. Honorary bearers of the casket will be Stanley Stephens, Jr., Sean Wilson, Lee Wilson, Kevin Gillette and Will Summerville.