Obituary of Betty Jo Stephens

Betty Stephens (August 4, 1931-January 16, 2022.) The world got a little bit brighter when Betty Jo Poole was born in Beaumont, TX in 1931. She was the apple of her daddy’s eyes, a strong-willed, talented child who loved the excitement of barrel racing and her horse Cherry, and she learned to play a mean accordion. Years later, a discerning teenager named John Stephens had his world get a little bit brighter when he spotted Betty singing in the choir at his uncle’s church and decided that he needed to ask her out. They were happily married for 61 years before John left her to live with Jesus. During their time together, she sewed shirts for her three boys, Tom, Tim, and Terry, and she worked as a secretary at several Louisville-area schools. In 1989, Lebanon got a little bit brighter when Betty decided to move with John to Tennessee and be closer to her children and grandchildren there. Betty loved bible studies, needlepoint, working impossibly hard puzzles, watching any and all sports events, political bantering, and cooking. I suspect most people in this town have been the recipient of one of her cakes, pies, or some other delicacies at some point. That was how she shared her heart with others, and her culinary skills were legendary. More than anything, she loved her family fiercely, and if one of them did something she disagreed with, she was just as fierce about expressing her opinions! She was a loyal member of Pathways Fellowship Church in Lebanon, and she continued to enjoy singing throughout her lifetime. When Betty set her mind to do something, we all knew she couldn’t be talked out of it, and she was masterful about getting her way. On Sunday, she decided to join Jesus and John in her eternal home. She left behind her sons Tom (Shannon) Stephens, Tim (Susie) Stephens, and Terry (Sandi) Stephens. Before she departed, she trained up 8 grandchildren in the way they should go: Jill Stephens Jarvis, Heather Stephens Norvell, Ryan Stephens, Kristin Stephens Maggart, Leslie Stephens Ryan, Adam Stephens, Dalton Stephens, and Anna Stephens. She also left behind 13 great-grandchildren (some of whom who are slightly younger and thus a little less indoctrinated by their Nana), so Betty’s work will continue through their well-trained parents. On Sunday night, Heaven got a little bit brighter. Maybe it was because of Betty’s highly-heralded entrance. Maybe it was the choirmaster David’s joy at gaining another accomplished singer. And maybe, it was John’s smile as he witnessed the long-awaited homecoming of his beloved “Betts” with outstretched arms and the realization that they now had an eternity together. Betty’s celebration of life will be private, just the way she wanted it. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your notes or your financial support for Begin Anew of Nashville (1111 Foster Ave, Nashville TN 37210). Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.