Johnnie Akers Stephens, 84, of Iuka, Mississippi, died Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth. She was a member of Iuka Gospel Chapel. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and taking care of her dog,”Lil Bit.” She was well known for making the “Scarlett O’Hara Dress” used in the Iuka Heritage Day Festival. Visitation is scheduled for 5 until 8 PM on Wednesday, September 25 at Iuka Gospel Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 PM on Thursday, September 26, 2013, at Iuka Gospel Chapel, officiated by Bro. James Edwards. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Paul Province, Tommy Nichols, Alan Poling, Garrett Higginbottom, Doug Groth, and Lanny Cleveland. Honorary bearers will be Bill Cleveland, Glenn Patterson, Dr. Al Flannery, and Nick Phillips. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. Survivors include 1 sister – Joyce Brumley (Donald) of Iuka; and a sister-in-law – Grace McBride of Iuka; 1 brother – Lloyd McBride (Charlotte) of Iuka; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, William “Tom” Akers and William “Bill” Stephens; her parents, Nander and Effie McBride; her brothers, J.C. McBride (Christine) and Cecil McBride; and her sisters, Rayde Wade (Oren) and Betty Morgan (Tharon). Memorial contributions may be made to the Iuka Gospel Chapel Building Fund at P.O. Box 1192 or 442 CR 172 Iuka, MS 38852.
