Willie Edward Stephens

Willie Edward Stephens, 80, departed this life on Sunday, July 30th, 2023. Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, August 12th, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Greater St. Luke Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Peaceful Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Willie Edward Stephens entered this life on February 6th, 1943, in Dothan, Alabama. He was the second child born to the parentage of John Stephens, Sr. and Willie Pearl Stephens. His early life was spent in Dothan where he attended school, graduating from Carver High School in 1961. After graduating, Willie enlisted in the United States Air Force February 1962. He was trained as an Aircraft Mechanic in Amarillo, Texas and received orders to Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, where he met Mary D. Hardeman. He joined and was baptized in Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church 1965. He worked faithfully in the Gospel Chorus Choir, Brotherhood, Sunday School, and Men’s Chorus. March 6th, 1966, Willie married Mary, the love of his life, by Rev. A. L. Davis and continued to serve his country. August 1966, he left Reese on orders to Vietnam, after which returned to Reese AFB, Miami, Florida, Teague, Kunsan in Korea, Okinawa Japan, and Taiwan. Retired from the military at Elgin AFB, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida August 1984, after serving 22 years and six months. He returned to Lubbock, worked at UMC Hospital, Lockheed Martin as a civilian at Reese until it was closed. Worked with American Security Alarms, Lubbock Areo, H. & K. Armored Guard Company, 2012 retired from Garda Armored Guard Company. Willie enjoyed gardening and working on computers. He enjoyed working with his hands. If it’s broken, he would surely try to fix it. When God called his name, he was blessed to be with his wife of 57 years. Preceded Willie Stephens in death: his parents, sister, Leona Harris, brothers John Stephens, Jr., Walter Stephens, and Robert Stephens.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, one son, Timothy Edwards Stephens; one daughter, Tonia Rae Stephens; one grandson, Tedrick Matthew Stephens; one granddaughter, Tabitha Tashay Stephens; one great grandson, Ty’Kadrian Stephens; one goddaughter, Kanesha Warritay; four sisters, Johnnie Mae Watson, Hortie M. Russaw (Freddie), Mary Ann Jackson (Kenneth) and Sherry Hollis; one brother, Earnest Stephens; brother-in-law, Walter Harris, Sr.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.