Mary Lou (Johnson) Stephens crossed over from this world on February 11, 2020 in Dallas County, Texas. Funeral Services are 10 A.M., Saturday, February 15, 2020 in the chapel of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home with Rev. Royce Litchfield and Rev. John Foster officiating. Burial will be in Memoryland Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, February 14, 2020 at the funeral home.
She came into this world on April 12, 1933 in Hopkins County, Texas, the daughter of Rosa Lee and Claude Johnson. Mary Lou made this world a better place during the 86 years she enjoyed it, living most of her adult life in Hunt County, Texas, 68 years as the wife of James Stephens.
She made “GranGran and Pepa’s” a place of joy and hospitality for her children and grandchildren. She is survived by daughter, Vickie and son-in-law David Francis of Nashville, Tennessee, and son Randy Stephens of Austin, Texas.
She was “GranGran” to four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Dustin Francis and wife, LeNan, grandson, Peyton and granddaughter, Reagan of College Station, Texas; Shelby Francis and wife, Jenna, granddaughter, Mia and grandson, Lennon of Boston, MA; Kelsey Francis and wife, Bethany and granddaughters, Gwendolyn and Cora of Los Angeles, CA; and Kendra Stephens of Austin.
The third of five children, her father told strangers “I have four sons and each of them has a sister.” Mary Lou is survived by both younger brothers, Bill and Ellis Johnson and one of her older brothers, Jack Johnson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Oliver.
Too numerous to name, Mary Lou was beloved by sisters-in-law, their spouses, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews of both the Johnson and Stephens families.
Mary Lou began working in the Hunt County Tax office in 1971, and retired as Chief Deputy Tax Assessor in 1991. People who worked with and for her say she made the office feel like family.
One of Mary Lou’s most important families was her church family. One of the favorite times of a worship service- and she missed precious few- was the offering. Only the Lord knows how much treasure she sent ahead and how much talent she invested here. Teaching kids in Sunday School, directing Girls Auxiliary, praying with a Baptist Women’s group, serving on various committees, visiting hospitalized friends, organizing meals for bereaved families, and planning senior adult trips delighted her- and the people who served alongside her.
Mary Lou loved to travel. She enjoyed seeing new sites, experiencing new things and getting to know new people. Sitting on a church bus with her church family was a happy place for her- and the people privileged to sit around her.
Tuesday afternoon, Mary Lou began her best trip ever. She apparently had a reservation for 4:00 P.M., The sites she is seeing are stunningly beautiful. The atmosphere is indescribably peaceful. The people she is meeting have all been made new. She is waiting for us there to show us around. We could have no better guide.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Francis, Shelby Francis, Kelsey Francis, Kendra Stephens, Peyton Francis and Lennon Francis.
