Gloria Jean Stephens

Gloria Jean Stephens was born on July 19, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois to the union of James and Helen Woods. She was one of five children and attended Thornton High School in Harvey, Illinois. As a young adult with six children and one on the way, she made the most important decision of her life – dedication to Jehovah and symbolizing that by water baptism in 1976. Gloria made the second most important decision in her life when she married her true love, Morris Kenner Stephens, on November 10, 1993. It was important to her that all seven of her children have their own personal Bible study so that they could learn about Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ. She made sure they learned how to pray, love one another and show respect to others. Gloria’s intense love for people was reflected in her career choices. First, she began working as a Nanny, caring for other people’s children. She then went on to become a foster parent and welcomed several individuals, who were mentally disadvantaged, to live in her home. Her love for people continued to grow as she helped the elderly receive the care that they needed and was proud to serve as a Supervisor and Trainer at several home health agencies, including Help-At-Home. On November 9, 2011 Gloria was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a horrible neurodegenerative disease of the nervous system. Although this disease changed her life drastically, Gloria was determined to enjoy life to the fullest and maintain the things that she loved, such as her weekly Bible study, getting her hair done and adorning her home with an array of beautiful flowers. Gloria always wanted her family to remain close and spend time together. She loved to have her family and friends around to entertain them with good food and music (especially Bobby Womack and Aretha Franklin) playing in the background, all the while dancing through out the house and insisting that no one come inside with their shoes on or put their dirty hands in her cooking pots! She was known for making “Cha-Cha” to go with her famous greens, zucchini bread and lets’ not forget her succulent pot roast that made your mouth water! In the last few months of her life, Gloria intensified her efforts in zealously preaching to anyone who would listen; be it writing on her board or sending a text message about the precious truths found in the Bible. Her goal was to get a van that would transport her back and forth to the Kingdom Hall and over to family and friend’s homes. Gloria held fast to her hope that soon the earth will be transformed into a paradise Earth. When asked recently what she would like to do in that paradise Earth she said “Help plant and build because no doubt after the great tribulation and Armageddon, the planet will need rebuilding.” On August 4, 2013 Gloria Jean Stephens fell asleep in death. She was preceded in death by her father, James L. Woods Sr.; grandfathers, George Woods and Walter Robinson Sr. Gloria will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but especially her husband, Morris Kenner Stephens; her parents, Helen (Johnnie) Bragg; seven children, Leslie Benjamin, Lisa (Shaun) Adams, Trevoy Woods, Candence “Candy” Woods, Jason Woods, Tiffony (Michael) Banks and Fonda Morgan III “Bondo”; one stepson, Martell Dotson; three brothers, James Woods, Jr., Telie (Claudia) Woods, Sr. and Marc Carter, Sr.; one sister, Carol (Ramon) Bethel; sixteen grandchildren, Courtney, JayJay, Darren, Brittany, Quinton, Ashley, Jonathon, Chantell, Matthew, Donnie, Fonzie, Tamara, Traeton, Brooklen, Timothy and Fonda IV “Casper”; nine great grandchildren; mother-in-law, Juanita Stephens; sister-in-law, Adrienne Stephens; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Gloria Jean Stephens

July 19, 1951 - August 4, 2013