A funeral service for Mrs. Shirley Jean Stephens will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Downs Funeral Home. Pastor Edwin Lee will officiate the service. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2020 at Downs Funeral Home.

Shirley Jean Reason Stephens daughter of the late Eugene Reason and Mazzie Robinson-Reason was born on June 16, 1941 in Waskom, Harrison County, Texas.

Growing up with 13 siblings, she had a loving and interesting childhood. She attended and graduated from Abney High School in Waskom, Texas where she was involved in numerous activities.  She dedicated her life to the Lord young under the care of Union Chapel Baptist Church until she later helped found New Growth Missionary Baptist Church. There she remained and served as a faithful woman of God until her passing.

She united in marriage to Leon Allen Stephens, Sr.  on July 16, 1960, and to this union, seven children were born. Although they birth seven children, they were parents and caregivers to so many more, opening their home to whomever needed a place to stay. Preceding her in death are her husband, Leon Allen Stephens, Sr.; three children, Marilyn Shenice Stephens, Shirlette Stephens Green, and Christopher Eugene Stephens; two sisters Maple D. Reason and Elzener Anderson.

Shirley was employed at Thiokol Corporation as a line worker then AT&T for 20 plus years upon retiring. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend who loved cooking, spending time with her family and planting anything from flowers to vegetables in her garden. She leaves to cherish her memories are her children Sovia L. Garrett, Shari L. Stephens, Sr., Leon A. Stephens, Jr., Lennard G. Stephens, Sr.; 10 siblings; 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.