Mary Stephens, age 80, of Florence, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2025. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, January 31, from noon until 2:00 pm at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Reverend Larry Smart officiating. She will be laid to rest in a small graveside service at Douglas Cemetery on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Mary (Johnston) Stephens was born on June 25, 1944. She was one of two of the most beautiful twins. Mary and Marie share a brother, Dwight. Along with their parents, Elsie and Varon, the family served and ministered as a pastoral family in Douglas, Alabama. Mary was a preacher’s daughter. She had a wonderful heritage of farm life, people, and knowing who God was at a young age. She graduated from Douglas High School. Sweet Mary had an adventurous spirit. She loved music, friends, art, and her husband, Max.
They met and began dating. They married in her childhood home. They moved to Tuscumbia in 1965. They managed a clothing store called King’s Department Store downtown. The building still stands in historical Tuscumbia.
She was a fixture in King’s Department Store for many years. Later, she worked with doctors managing insurance. She was brilliant and keen in how she saw through people and situations.
Mom loved to make things lovely. She was always stunning and beautiful. She cared for her home and her girls with care and that special touch that made everyone feel welcome. Our bright smiling mother was the penultimate grandmother and great grandmother. She wore the title, Ninnie, with honor. She was always ready to bring assistance and care when called upon.
As her physical health declined, she still was there caring, consoling and making sarcastic quips. She had a quick wit. Today we honor our mother’s life and celebrate her home going to Jesus with the assurance that she knows Him and her faith is now sight. She leaves a legacy of faith with her three daughters, Michelle Mardis (Roger), Kim Ayers (Shannon), and Kelley Hafner (Randy). She also leaves twelve grandchildren and their spouses; twelve great-grandchildren with three babies on the way; a sister-in-law, Betty; and loved nieces and nephews. We are all blessed for having known her and been a part of her lovely family.
The family would like to thank the many people that helped her in her battle with health issues. Dr. Jeremy Thompson and all of the staff at Medical Associates of the Shoals, Dr. Goodman, Katrina Pace, Michelle Berry, April Lamb, and all of the wonderful staff at Affinity Hospice. You all have been so helpful.
Mom made a special note to mention her best friend, Jayne Watson for her entire life. Faye Dawson also has been a wonderful friend to her. She also wanted to recognize Paul and Angel Cantie for their timely friendship and ministry toward the end of her life.
Grandsons and grandsons by marriage will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the church or charity of your choice.
