Wilma Stephens

Wilma Jean (nee Jolley) Stephens passed away peacefully May 24, 2023. She was 92.  She is survived by her loving children Pam Ward (Ozell), Carol England (Mark), Sandy Stephens (Bruce Byrns) and Michael Stephens (Bunita); her siblings Lillian Daniel and Larry Jolley (Becky); grandchildren Michael Ward (Flavia), Marie Ward (Wildyn Anderson), Grant England (Ashley), Reed England, Marlin Hueil (Megan Hess) and Rachel Breitenstein (Rick); and great grandchildren Enzo Ward, Mila Ward, River Anderson, Jazzlyn Anderson, Ezra England, Miriam England, Elliot Breitenstein, Claire Breitenstein and Evelyn Breitenstein.  Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Eugene "Gene" Stephens, her parents Herman and Estelle (nee Moss) Jolley; sister Jaunice Gray.

Wilma grew up on a dairy farm in Weakley County, near Martin, Tennessee.  She graduated from Martin High School just after turning 17.  Wilma and Gene met in Nashville, Tennessee, while both were attending business college.  They married in 1950 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they lived 65 years of love and devotion to each other and family.

In Nashville Wilma attended Drawn Business College, where she studied secretarial science. She applied those skills through her early career, but left the workplace to raise her young family.  In 1967, when her children were all school-aged, she began a career with the IRS in Northern Kentucky, where she worked until her retirement in 1994.

Wilma was a faithful member of Bridgetown Church of Christ from 1960 until her death.  She served as chair of the Missionary Committee, a president of the Women's Council, and sponsor of the College/Career Group.  She cared for young children in the nursery and assisted with Vacation Bible School. As a greeter, a role she thoroughly enjoyed, Wilma was often the first person members and visitors met as they gathered to worship on Sunday mornings.

Family was the center of Wilma's life. She generously gave her time and energy to support and care for parents, in-laws, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Her definition of family embraced friends and neighbors.  Wilma took great pleasure in family gatherings, vacations, and holidays, and any occasion with those she loved.  She found special joy in cuddling babies and eliciting their smiles. 

Wilma was a collector and purveyor of stories about family and friends. She never met a stranger, and she made friends wherever she went. 

Hobbies Wilma enjoyed included vacationing with friends, often to the mountains or the beach.  She was an avid reader of newspapers, magazines, biographies, novels and devotionals.

Wilma practiced charitable giving.  If desired, memorial gifts may be made to:

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmss.org

South West India Christian Mission, c/o Bill Klarich, 1700 21st Avenue West, Apt. 323, Bradenton, FL 34208

City Gospel Mission, www.citygospelmission.org or a charity of your choice