Mother Juanita Stephens

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelations 2:4

Mother Juanita Stephens was born on June 29, 1950 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, the first child of the late Elder Reed Williams and Mother Geneva Williams.

Mother Stephens gave her life to Christ at an early age and became a member of Vaden COGIC while under the leadership of Elder Leo Williams. She attended Peake High School, where she met the love of her life, Billy Joe Stephens. To the union, a son was born, and they named him Jeremiah. While under the leadership of Elder Darryl Maxwell, she became a member of Victory Temple COGIC. Mother Stephens was a continually active member until her health no longer allowed her to attend.

She was employed as a cook at the Arkadelphia Human Development Center, and later employed as a cook for the Arkadelphia Public Schools and will always be remembered for her sweet spirit and kind heart by all that knew her.

On July 21, 2023, Mother Stephens completed her journey on earth at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. She preceded in death by her parents, Elder Reed Williams and Geneva Williams, husband, Billy Joe Stephens and sister-in-law, Clarissa Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memories with her son, Jeremiah Stephens, two grandsons, Javari Stephens, and Jayden Stephens, four brothers, Reed Williams of Jacksonville, AR; Raven Williams of Arkadelphia, AR; Timothy (Patricia) Williams of San Antonio, TX; Donald (Delores) Williams of Arkadelphia, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Submitted by the Stephens & Williams Family

Public visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Williams Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Greater Tate Temple COGIC with Superintendent Robert Davis, officiant and Elder Darryl Maxwell, eulogist. The interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Active pallbearers are John C. Ware, Harold Bailey, Garrett Garner, Ronnie Bailey, Charles Owens, Michael Smith, Jr., and Derick Owens. Honorary pallbearers are Jeremiah Stephens, Deacon Reed Williams, Raven Williams, Timothy Williams, and Deacon Donald Williams.