Anne Stephens, 96

After a full and joyful life, Anne Jackson Stephens went to be with her Lord on February 4, 2023. She leaves a legacy of deep faith, love for family, and service to her community.

Anne was born in Tippah County, Mississippi on January 10, 1927, to Hattie Belle Davis Jackson and Robert Gaffney Jackson. She graduated from Mississippi State College for Women in 1947. She married Hugh Marion Stephens in 1954, and she was a strong and supportive wife until his death in 1993. She was predeceased by her sisters Mary Alice Holloman and Harriett Davis Jackson.

A member of New Albany Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Anne considered knowing Christ her greatest blessing. She dearly loved her church family and served the church in various roles over the years, including president of Women of the Church and Sunday School teacher. A remarkable organizer and hostess, she enjoyed all church activities and especially teaching the youth to ski at Darden Lake.

Anne was proud of New Albany and was active in organizations that promote the community, serving on the Boards of UNITE and the Union County Heritage Museum. She was New Albany chairman for the Girl Scouts for many years and coordinated school and youth activities when her children were young. She was a long-time member of the New Albany Mother’s Club. In 2008, she received the CREATE Foundation’s McLean Award for Philanthropy, and in 2015 she was recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Union County Development Association.

She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children: Sara Stephens of New Albany; Martha Cranford (Bill) of Rock Hill, South Carolina; Hugh Stephens (Peggy) of Memphis; Mary Stukenborg (Fred) of Memphis; and Elizabeth Parks (Lee) of Nashville; as well as 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren who adored their “Great Great.”

Anne enjoyed serving others, spending time with family, being with friends, and playing bridge. Her determination, sense of humor, and fun spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

The funeral service will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 11, at New Albany Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Reverends Stephen Ewing and Bill Everett will officiate. United Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

The family requests memorials be made to New Albany Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 605 MS 15, New Albany, MS or UNITE Foundation, P.O. Box 125, New Albany, MS.