Barbara Stephens

Barbara Stephens, 91, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023 at her home in Graham. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home.  Graveside will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in Pioneer Cemetery Gazebo.

Barbara was born September 14, 1932 in Skellytown, Texas to the late Elizabeth Jane (Cossey) and William Andrew Jackson Akers.  She married Ronald Stephens September 2, 1950 in Graham, he preceded her in death April 15, 2022.

She was one of the founding board members of the Young County Family Resource and Child Advocacy Center, now known as Virginia’s House.  She served with a gracious heart for children on the organization’s board for many years.  She was one of the early board members for the Old Post Office Museum and Art Center, serving numerous years for that organization.  She was a very active member of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Club, in addition to many other organizations.  Ronnie and Barbara started the first couples Sunday School class at First Baptist Church in Graham.  After being told it would never work, the class started the “trend” for mixed Sunday School classes.  

Barbara was a phenomenal seamstress and cook.  During harvest time, she and her mother would prepare and provide all the meals, which would fill several tables, for the thrashers. All these meals were made from scratch.  She made her own clothes and hats, which she would sell for her “pocket” money.  When her home was on the CLSC Tour of Homes she sewed many fabric dolls and decorated one of her trees with them.  Her favorite pastimes were socializing with friends, playing bridge, knitting, looking for arrowheads and traveling, especially to Ruidoso, NM.

Survivors include children:  Bruce and wife Muriel Stephens, Drake Stephens and fiancé Brenda Barnhart, Jain and husband Dan Ranft; her grandchildren and their spouses:  Kara and Jeremy Owen, Paige and Bret Jenson, Rachel and Brandon Dannhaus, Eric and Camilla Stephens, Olivia and J.P. “Husky” Melendez, and Lauren and Travis Poteet; and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Carolyn Ann Daily and brother, John Bill Akers.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Virginia’s House, First Baptist Church Graham Texas, Graham Humane Society of Young County, or the charity of your choice.