Mrs. Annie Jewel Stephens "Grandbaby" was born May 9, 1936 to the late Early and Virginia Rose, stepmother Leovnia Rose.

At an early age she united with the Pine Bluff Baptist Church and later moved her membership to James Chapel Baptist Church. Her family later moved to Marshall, Texas and she united with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where she served as the adult choir president for many years. She was also a faithful supporter of Following Christ Ministries.

Annie attended Karnack Public School and graduated from Pemberton High School in Marshall, Texas. She attended Wiley College and graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1972.

Annie was employed by the Marshall Public School District in 1973. She taught fourth grade at David Crockett Elementary School before retiring after twenty-seven years. She touched many children's lives in this community/city during her tenure as an educator.

She was married to Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Willis and to this union five children were born. This union lasted nine years until his death in 1964. She later met and married J.C. "Russ" Stephens who also preceded her in death.

Annie Jewel was also preceded in death by her mother, father, stepmother, four brothers, two sisters, two daughters Debra Ann Taylor, Cathy LaJoyce Willis, and two grandchildren Kendrick and Kenisha Willis.