Winnie Pearl Stephens

Mrs. Winnie Pearl Stephens was born July 10, 1920 in Weinert, Texas to Etta Merle and John Walter Pickering. She was born into the Kingdom of God at an early age and served him diligently. The Lord called his servant to home in heaven on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

Funeral services have been set for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 24 at Riley Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 23. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery.

She married her best friend and life long love, Bill on July 10, 1938. This was her best ever birthday gift. William Andrew (Bill) Stephens and Winnie were blessed with three daughters. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and spiritual homemaker among many other attributes. Her legacy is beautifully simple and yet so grandeur. The cherished memories of joy, counsel, prayers and life lessons are enumerable. He love of Jesus and family, faith, prayers, unconditional love, joy and a good joke or prank are instant reflections of her values, morals and ethics. She shared, cared, encouraged and rejoiced with everyone. Her infectious smile was the brightest in our universe. The songs in her heart that erupted anytime, anywhere and ended often with her renowned yodel (and maybe a bit of Irish jig) will forever touch so many lives. She was always active in her churches and taught Sunday School, VBS, and always served in the joy of praises. She enjoyed solos, duets with her girls and family, or with anyone who would join in with her to praise the Lord. She taught life lessons on the Word of God, the Love of Jesus and the importance of family foundations in a Godly Family. She was a loyal friend and prayer warrior to many.

She considered her family and so many wonderful friends her blessings and jewels in life. She left behind the host of some of God's finest caring and loving hearts that cared for her in the care facilities of Dove Hill, Honey Creek and Cyd and her family of employees of Hico Nursing Home, as well as some of the some of the frequent new employees after the new management. Many were lovingly adopted in her heart and called "adopted by affection" daughters. Thank you Andi and Anisa. She also dominated many conversations with her love for her "adopted by affection" son, Bob Johnson who later became her son in law. She cherished each son in law and gratefully appreciated God for putting them into her life. The great loves enriched her last years to the fullest. She loved beyond measures her churches, Indian Gap Baptist with Brother Keegan Hall and his family, and Brother Jim Clifton and Pat of Edna Hill Baptist. Her extended brothers and sisters of these congregations who shared her love and were constant in faithfulness were prized gifts of her conversations. Thank you Carolyn and George and Linda and Ronnie, Mary and Stan.

Though she was unable to attend, she loved and cherished Brother John and Lana Chapman of Grace Fellowship in Hamilton. She was affectionately "Mom", "Granny" Ms. Winnie and "my sweetheart" to these families.

Her "school friends" at Hamilton Special Care Clinic made her joy greater and her spirit much more lively. She cared indeed.

Her formal education was shortened as she became caretaker of her family when her mother became gravely ill. However, she enjoyed learning and became a scholar indeed. The words, "I Love You" came easily and so often from her heart and soul--and she did!

She is survived by three daughters and their loving families: Clyda Sue and Bob Johnson, Patsy Willene and Gary Fields, Carolyn Deeann and Rick Nichols. Her grandchildren are Lisa Haynes, Robi Kunkel, Natalie Kunkel, Paula Benz, Jon Fields, Jae Bills, Jena Cushman and their spouses and children. And Justin Nichols. Great grandchildren include Leslee Lowe, Jesse and Catherine (Kitty) Kunkel, Bryan, Meagan and Courtney Benz, Bailee and Avery Fields, Gage, Grant, Kenna, and Karis Cushman, and Tyler and Lane Bills.

She is also survived by two sisters, Elna Davis and families of Abilene, Texas and their families, as well as Jessie Mae Shipley and her husband Ervin and precious nieces, nephews and her little miracle, Carson, of Selah, Washington. Her brother is John Walter Pickering, Jr. and his wife jo and a special niece TC of California and their families. They are the wind and spiritual strengths of our journey.

She is preceded in death by a host of family and friends and her glorious husband who went to be with the Lord on January 21, 2003, and one infant son. Her Heavenly Reunion cannot be imagined to its fullest..

We give thanks to God through our Lord Jesus Christ for the life he granted Winnie Stephens while upon this earth, but especially for the life which she now celebrates in the presence of her Savior and that glorious reunion.

Good bye for now, Mossey, Mama, Mamacita, Granny, Granny Grunt, and Granny Stephens.

Please leave online condolences as www.rileyfuneral.com. Riley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.