Mary Kidd Tinsley Stephenson was born in Birmingham AL, to Irving W. Tinsley and Meeda Kidd Tinsley. She attended Birmingham schools and her freshman year at Brenau College for Women. She transferred to Auburn University where she graduated as President of the Cardinal Key Honor Society (now Mortar Board) and President of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She was also elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
After graduating with a degree in art, Mary married the late James Howell Stephenson and moved to Hartselle where they built as a fifth generation on the Stephenson land on Bethel Road.
Mary became a member of First Baptist Church of Hartselle, AL, in 1946. Throughout her 70-year membership, she served as a “Sunbeams” teacher and faithfully served in the church library for many years. Mary enjoyed selling real estate for Hartselle Real Estate from 1976 through 1986. She was the leading sales producer in 1982. She adored the game of bridge and was a charter member of both the Hartselle Bridge Club and the Hartselle Rainbow Garden Club. Throughout her life, she joined many bridge clubs in Hartselle and Cullman and enjoyed playing bridge online.
She is survived by her three children, James H. Stephenson, II (Sharon Wood), Anne Tinsley Knowlton (Bobby Knowlton) and George Kidd Stephenson (Dena Murphy). She is also survived by seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Hartselle City Cemetery with the Reverend Dr. Ron Wilson officiating and Peck Funeral Home Directing.
Pallbearers will be Woody Stephenson, Trey Stephenson, Jay Knowlton, Charlie Knowlton, Shane Hopkins and Will Stephenson.
The family would like to thank the loving, caring members of Hospice of the Valley for their unfailing support.
