Jerry H. Stephens M.D.

Jerry was a graduate of Rice University in 1950. He attended medical school at the University of Galveston where he received his Doctrine of Medicine. He later received his Dermatology degree at Baylor University. Early in his career, Jerry opened his own practice before joining Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in 1980. He truly enjoyed his time there and stayed with them until he retired 10 years ago at age 76!

Jerry joined the United States Air Force from 1954-1957. Stationed in Spangdahlem, Germany, he served as a flight surgeon and later became Captain. He and his wife Martha always said those years in Germany were the most special and memorable.

Jerry’s hobby was raising orchids. He joined the American Orchid Society in Houston where he became an Emeritus Judge. He made a lifetime of friends that he treasured as much as the orchids.

Jerry was a Christian. He joined River Oaks Baptist church in the late 1970’s and over the years, he became a Deacon and sang in the church choir. He was a beautiful tenor and loved to sing. He took voice lessons and sang many solos in church. After 30 years in the choir, he retired after performing in the Christmas program this year.

Greeted in Heaven by his father, Dr. Jaime D. Stephens and his mother, Neva Ham, Jerry will soon be an angel to his many survivors including his BELOVED wife Martha Stephens of Houston, his son John Stephens and his children Channing, Hunter, Brooke and Jackson Stephens from Arlington, Tx. John’s wife Bebe Stephens and her son Gilbert Gomez, also live in Houston. His daughter, Catherine Beckman, her husband Aaron Beckman and their two children Lillian and Zachary reside in Austin, Tx. Jerry’s brother, Joe Stephens, his wife Elizabeth and their sons all live in Portland, Ore. Jerry will also keep a close eye on his sister in-law Carolyn Ginther of Houston, her children Duke Ginther in Orange, Ca., Lisa De Montaigu and Bryan Ginther both from Houston. Jerry loved Martha’s family and leaves behind Killis and Beverly Almond, their daughter Kate, family members Bill Bryan, wife Margie, Melanie and Don Clarke and their family members. Jerry will also watch over his many church, orchid, military, childhood, college, doctor and neighborhood friends. It must be mentioned that Jerry and Martha had a special relationship with the staff members at The Olive Garden on Old Spanish Trail in Houston. They ate there almost every day for the last 3 years!

Because Jerry’s health was deteriorating the last three months, he was under great care from several caregivers whom he loved. Without them, he would be lost. Thank-you.

Jerry Stephens was an honest, kind, loving man with a heart of gold. He touched the lives of so many people in his lifetime and was the most incredible father loved dearly by his daughter and son. But Jerry loved no other like his wife, Martha. After two dates, he asked her to marry him and they remained happily married for 61 years. He spent his last short weeks in bed next to Martha whispering that he loved her and holding her hand…………

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from half-past five o’clock until half-past seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 4th of September 2015, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Funeral services for all family and friends will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 5th of September 2015, at River Oaks Baptist Church, 2300 Willowick Road in Houston with Pastor Martus Miley officiating. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to celebrate Jerry’s life in the church hall.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are John Stephens, Bryan Ginther, Duke Ginther, Bill Bryan, Killis Almond, Aaron Beckman and Gilbert Gomez.

Jerry loved flowers but he loved his church too. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to River Oaks Baptist Church, 2300 Willowick Rd., Houston, TX 77027.