Martha McGhee Stephens

Martha McGhee Stephens was reunited with her heavenly loved ones on the 26th of September, 2015. She was surrounded by family and adored upon before she unexpectedly passed away from septic shock. She was 84 years young.

Martha was born in Houston, Texas to George Lee and Jimmy Mae McGhee in March, 1931. She attended and graduated from Lamar High School before completing her college education at Baylor University in 1953. She was a Theta.

Martha met her husband, Dr. Jerry Stephens, shortly after college. After two dates, he proposed and she said, “Yes, but I have to meet your mother first.” Indeed she did and they were married a year later in 1954. Jerry joined the armed forces and served in the military in Germany for three years. Martha said those were the best days of her life and shared her favorite memories of those adventures often. She and Jerry were married for 61 years!

Upon returning from abroad, Martha taught school at River Oaks Baptist School in the late 1950’s. She became Principal a few years later and worked while her husband continued his medical education becoming a dermatologist. Martha was not only supportive of her husband’s career, but truly dedicated herself to ensure his success. That was apparent when Jerry opened his own practice with Martha’s help.

Martha’s dedication carried over towards raising a family. She was an energetic mother who created the most incredible, fun, nurturing and loving memories for her family who feels not only blessed, but certain that Martha’s values and love will live on through generations to come.

Martha enjoyed time with friends. She didn’t know a stranger especially in The Garden Club. Though learning about flowers, greens and all God’s colorful and scented creations was insightful, helpful and fun, she most adored the lifetime friends she made.

Martha is separated temporarily by her daughter, Catherine Beckman, her husband Aaron and their two children, Lily and Zach. Her son John Stephens, his children Channing, Hunter, Brooke and Jackson, John’s wife Bebe, her son Gilbert and his fiancé, Heather. Martha’s husband, Dr. Jerry Stephens, whom she loved and adored for over half a century, died just one month prior to her death.

Martha is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Ginther, her son Fergus Ginther, his children Chase, Mahon, Collin, and Luke, Carolyn’s daughter, Lisa DeMontaigu and her two daughters, Catherine and Caroline. Carolyn’s youngest son, Bryan Ginther, his wife Lisa and their two daughters Brittany, her husband David, their son Benjamin and Bryan’s youngest daughter, Blake.

Martha’s cousin’s Melanie Clarke and her husband Don and Beverly Almond and her husband Killis as well as their daughter, Kate.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from half-past five o’clock in the afternoon until half-past seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 2nd of October, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A funeral service will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 3rd of October, at River Oaks Baptist Church, 2300 Willowick Road in Houston, where Pastor Martus Miley is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the church parlor.

River Oaks Baptist was Martha’s home. She and Jerry were the first couple to be married in the church. She was an active member in bible study as well as the choir. Her children were baptized there. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to River Oaks Baptist Church, 2300 Willowick Rd., Houston, TX, 77027.