Mary Ellen Stephens

Mary Ellen Stephens, daughter of the late Harry and Grace Anna (Peters) Hughes, was born on April 25, 1928 in Martin, KY and departed this life to enter her heavenly home on Thursday, May 23, 2024 in Grayling, MI. She was 96 years old. Mary attended school in Martin, KY, graduated high school in Jackson, MI and finished her career degree as a registered dietician at Michigan State University. She was introduced to her handsome, strong husband, Thomas Stephens, Jr. by her cousin, after Tom saw her pass by and was overwhelmed by her beauty. Soon afterwards, they were married at the Methodist Church in Munith, MI on September 18, 1948. Tom and Mary raised their three children, Paul, Russ and Judy on their small farm near Munith to serve God. They enjoyed 67 years as devoted sweethearts until Tom's passing on October 21, 2015 at the age of 87, leaving his beloved wife in the care of their loyal and capable daughter, Judy. They came to know their Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and were members of Loomis Park Baptist Church for 56 years. Mary, the kindest, sweetest person many of us have ever known, lived a long life, always giving of herself to bless others.

Mary Ellen Stephens was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Grace Anna (Peters) Hughes, brother, Colonel Harry Hughes, husband, Thomas Stephens, Jr., many of their family members and one son, W. Paul Stephens. Survivors include daughter-in-law, Ruth (Phol) Stephens; son, J. Russell (wife, Rainelle Frydenlund) Stephens; daughter, Judy Ellen (husband, Thomas) Locke, grandchildren, Brent and Marla Stephens, Heather and Denny Smith, Timothy and Shi Stephens, Nicolas and Meadow Stephens, Joshua and Carly Stephens, Jessica and Lee Mixon, Geoffrey and Kristen Locke; ten great grandchildren, Lucille, Sofia, Brendan, Bethlie, Bradley, Lanissa, Landon, Kody, Kaitlin, Jesson, Ashor and Evie and two great-great grandchildren, Londyn and Elliana.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 11:00 am at Loomis Park Baptist Church (2301 N. Elm Ave., Jackson, MI 49201) hosted by Pastor Rich Zawadzki and officiated by Pastor Brent Stephens. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Thomas Stephens, Jr. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith, MI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Loomis Park Baptist Church in Mary Ellen's memory.