Edna Weaver Stephens, 96, of Cleveland, Tennessee, died o Tuesday, July 19, 2016, surrounded by family and friends.
She was the daughter of the late David and Mary Weaver of Hamilton, OH; and was also preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, James A. Stephens; a granddaughter, Lori Jo Roberts; son-in-law, David M. Painter; and brother, Clarence Weaver.
She was brought into the Kingdom at an early age in the 7th and Chestnut Church of God (now Princeton Pike) in Hamilton, OH. From her early conversion she made serving Christ her life. At the age of 20 Edna married James A. Stephens, a young evangelist, and began her career as a full-time worker in the Kingdom of God.
She was an excellent minister’s wife, supporting her husband wherever he was assigned or had an opportunity to serve. In addition, she was an excellent mother and homemaker. She made every dwelling, from Saskatchewan, Canada to Tarpon Springs, Florida, a warm, comfortable place for the family.
People who knew her loved her. She had a talent for making life-long friends, and even at the age of 96 she was still exchanging cards and letters from members in the first churches they served.
Upon retirement they moved to Cleveland, TN and joined the North Cleveland Church of God. She regularly attended the Unity Sunday School Class and the Tuesday morning ladies’ Prayer and Praise group. She always loved attending church and never tired of sharing her firm assurance regarding God’s faithfulness to family and friends. Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include four children, Mary Painter; Alice Sherlin and husband Roy, Judy Gee and husband Ted and J. David Stephens and wife Joyce, all of Cleveland, TN; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A Remembrance of Life service will be held Saturday, July 23, at 3 p.m. from the North Cleveland Church of God Dixon Chapel with Pastor Mitch Maloney and Reverend Bob Varner officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens with Reverend J. J. Chiara officiating. Casket bearers will be James Roberts, Chris Gee, Robert Lynn Roberts, Michael Painter, Brent Stephens, and Lavoy Jones.
Memorials may be made to the following: Lori Jo Roberts Scholarship – Lee University; or David M. and Mary Painter Scholarship – Lee University.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the North Cleveland Church of God Dixon Chapel.
The Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel have charge of the arrangements.