Ann Bell Stephenson

Ann Bell Stephenson, a native and lifelong resident of Jackson, Mississippi, until her last years at The Orchard in Ridgeland, Mississippi, peacefully departed this life on November 10 surrounded by her beloved family. Born to Sallie and Eckford Bell on November 18, 1929, Ann attended the Jackson public schools, graduating from Central High School in 1947. Thereafter, Ann attended MSCW and graduated from Belhaven College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She married her treasured husband, Paul Houston Stephenson Jr., on June 14, 1951.

Ann was a gifted homemaker and hostess who also enjoyed ten years of employment with Feild Co-Operative Association. She was an active member of First Christian Church for over 60 years before joining Christ United Methodist Church. Ann and Paul were among the founders of Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, a benevolent ministry close to Ann's heart. Ann was a member of the Junior League of Jackson and luncheon clubs, garden clubs, bridge clubs and a research club, all of which brought her immense pleasure. Always active, engaging, and vibrantly participating in all of life, Ann greatly enjoyed and deeply valued her many abiding friendships. Ann counted life at The Orchard as a marvelous blessing.

Ann adored her family whose affection for her was boundless. As the heart of the home, she was a dedicated wife and wonderful mother who sacrificially loved her children. Ann is survived by four children: Paul Stephenson III (Deanne), Jud Stephenson (Chris), Annette Stephenson Clark (Randy), and Will Stephenson; seven grandchildren: Anna Catherine Stephenson Harris (Derrick), Mary Louise Stephenson, Matt Stephenson (Kristen), Brittany Stephenson, Kayla Stephenson, Heather Hodges, and Hallie Hodges; great grandson John Paul Harris; nieces Lou Callum (Harris) and Sally Matthews (Gaines); nephew Barry Green (Elaine); and great nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her husband Paul Stephenson Jr., grandson Paul Stephenson IV, daughter-in-law Jennifer Looney Stephenson, sister Sara Bell Rogers, and niece Paula Lane Vodicka.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 14 at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A worship service will follow immediately thereafter in the chapel at the funeral home with interment to follow at Flora Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc., P. O. Box 5235, Jackson, MS 39202.