Thelma B. Stephenson

STEPHENSON, Thelma Baker, 90, of Richmond, died at home Friday, January 20, 2012. She is survived by six of her seven children, Keith and Brenda Stephenson of Reisterstown, Maryland, Sheila Lindsey of Richmond, Virginia, Rick and Margie Stephenson of Dunn, North Carolina, daughter-in-law, Karen Stephenson of Brentwood, Tennessee, Gail and Jim Copeland of Raleigh, North Carolina, David and Karen Stephenson of The Villages, Florida, and Larry and Kim Stephenson of Maidens, Virginia; also 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years Thomas Doyle Stephenson; her son, Van Stephenson of Brentwood, Tennessee; and her grandson, Adam Stephenson of Sandston, Virginia. Thelma was retired from the International Mission Board after 16 years of service and a member of Derbyshire Baptist Church for 42 years. She was known for her laughing smile, her twinkling eyes, and joyful spirit. Her remains rest at Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, where the family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, January 26 and where services will be conducted 10 a.m. Friday. Interment Greenwood Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Bon Secours Hospice 8555 Magellan Pkwy., Richmond, Va., 23227 or the Thomas Doyle and Thelma Baker Stephenson Endowed Scholarship at Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, North Carolina. Condolences may be offered at

woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.