Rev. Dubose Lawson Stephens

Dubose Lawson Stephens, Jr. was born on June 12, 1941 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma to the union of Dubose Lawson Stephens, Sr. and Ina Mae Sparks, who preceded him in death. He was the fifth child of six children.

He graduated from Delano High School, Delano, California in 1958 and attended Bakersfield College. In 1962, Dubose moved to San Francisco and began a career in Record promoting. In time he became a National Promoter for Fantasy/Galaxy records & Duke/Peacock records. This brought him into contact with a number of disc jockey’s and recording artists, some of whom became famous. Patti Labelle, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Sylvester Stewart (better known as Sly Stone) were artists Dubose personally knew. During his tenure as the National promoter for Fantasy/Galaxy records, Creedence Clearwater Revival released eight million-selling double-sided singles in a row and six albums, all of which went platinum. During his career, Dubose traveled all over the continental United States.

In 1978, Dubose moved back to Delano to be near his family. He worked as a skilled auto mechanic, and operated Stephens Automotive for many years until his passing.

Dubose was married to Delores Corrine Reeder in April 1978; they were married thirty-five years.

Dubose accepted the Lord during his early years and was baptized by Reverend Moore at St Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Delano, California where he was very active in the church choir. In 1990, Dubose re-dedicated his life and joined St. Paul AME Church, Pixley, California under the leadership of Pastor Grady Holland. He served as an usher and started a bus ministry, picking up young people for bible study, youth meetings, and church services and out of town meetings. Dubose L. Stephens was licensed to preach on December 12, 1994 by Presiding Elder Reverend Ezekiel Habersham while attending Bible College.

Dubose L. Stephens was ordained as a local deacon by Bishop Vinton R Anderson of the A.M.E in 1995 and served St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church under the late Reverend Grady L Holland as his Assistant from August 1995 to August 1998. Upon the retirement of Reverend Holland, in September 1998, Presiding Elder, Dr. Booker T. Guyton of the Oakland/San Joaquin District appointed Reverend Stephens to the pastoral ministry at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. He received his Certificate of Pastor’s Appointment October 17, 1999 by Presiding Bishop Vernon Randolph Byrd and has been reappointed to this charge for the last 15 years until his passing.

Reverend Dubose L Stephens participated in several organizations; He was a member of the Delano Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth, Pixley Ministerial Alliance and Delano Ministerial Alliance.

Dubose enjoyed watching sports on television, talking sports with family and friends and attending many local high school games. He was a fan of the Lakers and enjoyed being around young people.

Dubose is survived by his wife Delores, three sons, Dubose L. Stephens, III (Andrella) ,Oakland ,CA Wendell Stephens (Vanessa), Sacramento, CA, Jesse Stephens, San Diego, CA, a daughter , Janiese Clayton, Fresno, CA. Three stepdaughters, Tanya McDonald (Rev. George McDonald) , Inglewood, CA, Rita Franklin, Grand Canyon, Arizona, and Maxine Diggs (Gerald), Gardena, CA. Seventeen grandchildren, three great-grand children. Two brothers; Carl Stephens, Delano, CA and Ronnie Dulan (Pamela), Miramar, Florida. Two sisters; Shirley Collins, Delano, CA and Lorene Hill (Ruben), Delano, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many friends. Dubose is preceded in death by his parents Dubose L. Stephens, Sr. and Ina Mae Stephens, one brother Freddie Lee Stephens, one sister Charla Mae Stephens, and one step son Nathan Chattom.