Dr. Osler Z. Stephens Jr.

Dr. Osler Z. Stephens Jr., 93, of Bartlett, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Born in Stewardson, Illinois, on January 17, 1932, he was a devoted husband, brother father, grandfather, educator, and veteran whose life was marked by integrity, service, and love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Faye Stephens. He is survived by his children Brenda Richter (Paul), Lori Bramlett (Bobby), and David Stephens (Cheri); stepchildren Ginger Powell (Lee), John Amagliani (Mandy) Joey Amagliani (Sissy) and Pat Amagliani; sister Barbara Alderson and brother Donald Stephens; 12 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Dr. Stephens earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s degree from the University of Memphis, and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee. A lifelong educator from a family of educators, he served Memphis City Schools with distinction—as a coach, teacher, counselor, and assistant principal at Frayser High School—before retiring as Director of Research and Planning. He was widely respected for his leadership and was the principal author of Plan Z, the federally court-ordered desegregation plan for Memphis City Schools.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served honorably during the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1955, stationed at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri.

Osler was an avid fan of the Memphis Tigers and Memphis Grizzlies, and he deeply cherished his family. Known for his intelligence, compassion, and humility, he was the heart of his family and held in high regard by colleagues and friends alike.

A Funeral service for Dr. Stephens will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Cornerstone Church Memphis, 2385 Whitten Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38133. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 PM. Burial will follow in memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Road, Bartlett, Tennessee 38133.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory.