Frances "Mama Fran" Stephens

Frances was born March 20, 1936 in Greenville County, SC to Rosella Poore Burrell and the late Claude E. Burrell. She was also preceded in death by a brother, James Melvin Burrell.

Fran was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and a member of the UMW circle. She was very active in her church with the Outreach and Children’s Tutoring Programs. Also, she delivered for Meals on Wheels and was retired as deli-bakery manager for Krogers.

Surviving are her husband, James “Jay” Stephens of the home, daughters; Debbie Waters and husband, Dave of Conover and Cindy Riggan and Jesse Pieper of Quincy, IND, a son; Thomas Wayne Stephens and wife, Alisa Dawn of Connelly Springs, granddaughters; Shea Huffman and husband, Steve of Newton, Dia Hartsell and husband, Rob of Hickory, Brittney Stephens and Caleb Gray of Hickory, grandsons; Devin Waters and wife, Allison of Hickory, Ronnie Stephens and wife, Tabatha of Hickory and Dustin Riggan of Newton, ten great-grandchildren, mother, Rosella Poore Burrell of Greer, SC, sisters; Edie Runion and husband, Lee of Taylors, SC and Hazel Dean and husband, Jerry of La Grange, Ga, brothers; Claude “Buddy” Burrell and Blanche Gosnell of Greer, SC, Roger Burrell and wife, Becky of Greer, SC and Mike Burrell and Ann Hackworth of Taylors, SC.

Services will be Sunday, September 18, at 3:00 PM at Bethel United Methodist Church with the Reverend Steve McLain and Pastor Charles Stevens officiating.

Burial will follow in Catawba Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:30 until 2:45 P. M. at the church.

Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, Tutoring Program, 80 28th. St., NW, Hickory, NC 28601 or to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.

Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com.

Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.