We celebrate the life of our beloved family matriarch, Mamie Jean McFerrin Stephens, who passed away at the age of 99, Monday, January 9, 2023. She was the last of 11 siblings who were born and raised in Woodbury, Tennessee.

She had a vibrant student life in high school. As a cheerleader, she was also involved in the Latin Club, Home Economics, Glee Club, Drama Club, Debate Team and was choir pianist and class secretary. She then attended business/secretarial school. As World War II advanced, she became Rosie the Riveter at VulTee Aircraft Factory near Nashville, Tennessee. During that time, she was the jitterbug champion at the social dances for the soldiers. She loved to dance! She then met a soldier from Wrightsville, E.L. Stephens, Jr. The couple married in Macon and built their family in Dublin. She raised three children, Ernest "Ben" Benton of Macon, Jeanie Stephens of Blairsville, and Julie Ann Stephens Graham of Dublin. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Dublin. She was active in the Dublin Community, whether as a cub scout den mother to President of the Garden Club. Upon the death of her husband, she moved to Conyers to live with her daughter, Julie & granddaughter, Anna Elizabeth Barnes. She later moved back to Dublin again to live out her remaining years at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Julie & Jim Graham. Her grandson, Richard, was a delight in her life and then Anna's 16-month-old son, Landon, became her lifeline and the love of her life.

Jean was well-loved by literally everyone she knew, from friends to family, co-workers, and acquaintances. She was the second mother to many of the friends of her children. She was a loving, gentle soul. She was well known for her humor and dry wit. She would also make anyone and everyone laugh. She was also an avid Georgia Bulldog football fan, enjoying her Saturdays watching the games and pulling for the Dawgs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the late, Thomas Benton McFerrin and Nola Fuller McFerrin; her husband, Ernest Lacy "E.L". Stephens, Jr.; her son, Ernest Benton Stephens and her great-grandson, Brandon Stephens of Hazlehurst. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was retired from Maxwell Furniture.

She is survived by her two daughters, Jeanie Stephens of Blairsville and Julie Stephens (Jim) Graham of Dublin; her granddaughter, Anna Barnes; great-grandson, Landon Maxwell Bates; grandson, Richard (Sandy) Stephens and a great-granddaughter, Hayley Stephens.

Funeral services will be private.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff & management of Scott Health and Rehab of Adrian from where she received much love and care from all of the staff.