Jasper Callaway “J.C.” Stephens, age 90, of Benton, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday morning, February 14, 2023. J.C. was born to Clyde Franklin and Marchie Tallent Stephens on Feb. 5, 1933 in Benton. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving 1953 until 1955. He was retired from Bowater Papermill in 1992 after 38 years of service. J.C. was a member of Old Ocoee Baptist Church, was saved and baptized in Benton Creek and was a 50-plus year member of Ocoee Masonic Lodge F&AM No. 212. He and his wife were avid Tennessee Volunteer fans, attending Lady Vols basketball and football games, and watching them on TV when they could not attend.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Mauldin Stephens; his parents, Clyde and Marchie Stephens; great-grandson, Kyler Hood; and siblings, Willie Moats, C.F. “Steve” Stephens, Jr., Dorothy Brown, Helen Davis, Alberta Williams, Elizabeth Carr, Donald Stephens, Jerry Stephens and Margaret Stone.
Surviving include his children, Dennis (Gail) Stephens, of Ocoee, Cindy (Lonnie) Rogers, of Trenton, Anne (Greg) Stinnett, of Dalton, and Greg Wilson, of Benton; grandchildren, Kevin (Summer) Stephens, Kara Stephens, Justin Stephens, Lindsay (Steven) Ryan, Laura (Geoff) Oliver, Jessica (Moises) Cardenas, Jade Wilson, Sarah Stinnett and Sawyer Stinnett; great-grandchildren, Tori and Keely Stephens, Katelyn Wampler, Carter and Charlie Ryan, Brendan Oliver and Josue and Matias Cardenas; great-great-grandchildren, Julia Stephens and Kaden Wampler; one sister, Charlotte Hall; also several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life graveside services will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20 at Benton Memorial Gardens.
His family will receive friends from 1PM until service time Monday at Higgins Funeral Home, Benton, TN
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home, Trenton.