Marjorie Maxine Stephens

 Marjorie Maxine Stephens   Neysa loved, guided, and doctored with all her heart.  Melanie spoke in healing tones.  Muscles surrounded her with beautiful compassion.  Tony, like the rest including daughters and son-in-laws, Doris, Deidra, Lenese, Lester and soon-to-be son in-law Bud, agonized over the imminent passing of our powerful matriarch—Mamma.  And the boss, A.W., masterfully sped on to hold all family love and business together to an efficient and honorable reality.  The host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews whispered chants of wonderful love to their Granny and Aunt as we all believed she could hear, though not able to talk.  Her trusty and loving niece, Trish Ann, waited and watched her cross over to glory, early in the morning, February 2, 2021. What does one say of Marjorie Maxine Stephens?  She was the loving wife of Arthur Benjamin Stephens.  She was a profound and loving mother by whom we all felt loved, wanted, and safe with at all times.  She said what she meant and meant what she said in the Spirit of concern and well-thought-out truth.  She brought all of us under conviction that there is a God who sits high and looks low and that there will be a judgement we must get ready for! She, of course, being backed by Daddy, taught us how to celebrate family and one another.  She would not tolerate us fighting and holding grudges either. Our mother taught us to honor her and Dad's family and friends and to honor and respect our own friends as well.  Mother insisted that we mistreat no one, but never be a coward.  She taught us how to celebrate traditional holidays, our nation, our privilege to learn and to work hard.  Above all, Mother taught us how to love and take care of ourselves with powerful independence and dignity!  Mom learned her lesson on how to be a principled person and she learned it well The time would fail us to list all of the magnificent host of people she reached out to, helping many, many close family members who were sick and transitioning from this world—her father, mother, two sisters whom she doted over since she was seven, father-in-law, and brother-law!  She was dedicated to her aunts, uncles, and on and on!  She assisted these and many more who were sick, whom she never let out of her concern.  She was not a Doctor or academic nurse; but she truly served her generation.  Subsequently, many served her.  She laid her person on the line. She was noticeably and profoundly loyal, a dedicated Christian, and philosophical, trusting that "God handles His business and He handles it well."  Regarding independence and accountability, she would say, "Every tub got to sit on its own bottom," and she would say if someone did not want or appreciate you, "It's their loss."  This is just a few.  Her record-keeping and business skills were impeccable with her files reaching back nearly a hundred years! Her love for sports was astonishing and she loved Cincinnati Reds baseball and Ohio State Football, even went with grandson, John Legend, and other family members to the Superbowl and Grammy Awards at a ripe old age.  She would travel to get to you no matter the distance when you needed her.  She had limited income, but there were fifty people on her Christmas list that she gave her monetary substance to.  Also, Mother sung in two church choirs held down a card mailing ministry in the church for over fifty years, and always supported her beloved Mount Zion Baptist church with offerings and presence ministry for over sixty years.  She was highly active in the participation and giving of support in major graduation events, etc. for her grand. Marjorie Maxine Stephens was sought out and revered by her friends, neighbors, neighborhood children for whom she hosted Girl Scouts, PTA events, yard gatherings, talent shows, and games, all to the point, even the police wanted to know what all the specialness was about!  Long live Marjorie Maxine Stephen's legacy in her Fabulous Five and their spouses, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of every status.  In a very real sense, her voice, influence, love, and teachings will neither die, nor be in vain.    She was physically beautiful, a tremendously outstanding dresser, and above all possessed leadership and profound character.  We loved our loving Mother so very much in life and will never love her less in her departure.  Salute!!!     In lieu of flowers and cards donations can be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1171 South Yellow Springs, Street Springfield, Ohio 45506                                  

                                                                                                                 † Bishop H. Anthony Stephens †

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marjorie Maxine Stephens, please visit our floral store.