West Gadsden Funeral Home | Gadsden, AL

Obituary For Thomas Stephens,Jr. "Bear"

The Obituary

Mr. Thomas Alfonza Stephens, Jr. was born on January 4, 1947 to the late Thomas A. Stephens, Sr. and Mary E. McClain of Gadsden, AL.

He departed his life peacefully at 7:01 pm on June 15, 2020 at the Gadsden Regional Medical Center in the Intensive Care Unit surrounded

by his loving family.

He was a 1965 graduate of Carver High School. He served four years in the United States Air Force. He received a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship through the sponsorship of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He retired from Goodyear with 30 years of service.

He confessed Christ at an early age and united with the First Baptist Church of Green Pastures. In later years he united with the Galilee Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. G.E. Robinson Sr. He served as a deacon from 1999 until his death. He also served as Vice

President of the Laymen Ministry.

He was a huge Alabama football fan. He loved to BBQ, collect baseball cards, and collect rare coins but most of all, he loved to laugh. His laugh was infectious, and it will be missed. Thomas tried to spread happiness and joy everywhere he went. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas A. Stephens Sr., his mother, Mary E. McClain and one brother, Roy Lamar Stephens. He leaves to cherish his loving memories: A very loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Betty J. Stephens. Two children, LaDonna J. Evans of Birmingham, AL. and Jason L. Stephens of Pelham, AL. Three brothers, Mr. Robert (Ann) Stephens of Jacksonville, FL., Mr. John Wesley (Joyce) Stephens of Dallas, GA. and Mr. Richard (CiCi) Broxie of Cresson, PA. Three sisters, Mrs. Brenda Jackson of Glenco, AL., Mrs. Jacqueline (Aaron) Gross of Stoughton, MA. And Mrs. Sontonia Stephens of Northport, AL. Four aunts, Mrs. Linda Houser of Gadsden, AL., Mrs. Joan Cox of Gadsden, AL., Mrs. Eleanor Cox of Gadsden, AL., and Mrs. Rose Mary Porter of Chattanooga, TN. A host of nieces and nephews. Three God-Children, Tawana Card-Hall, Erica Card, and Layla Hughes. Many dear family friends too numerous to name. His Pastor and church family that he loved dearly.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the West Gadsden Funeral Home (Betty D. Robinson Chapel) 1:00 pm.

Public Visitation will be Friday, 11am-6pm. Officiating: Reverend Dr. G.E. Robinson Sr. Internment: Lincoln Hills Memorial Garden.

Arrangements under the direction of West Gadsden Funeral Home.

Guest Book

Thomas was the best big brother anyone could have asked for. There are many memories but this one of my favorites; I loved to fish but Thomas didn't care for it that much. We had gotten to the water in the early morning. Thomas was fishing to the right of me. He was telling me not to get too close to the water. Thomas heard something in the grass behind him; he hated snakes and thought it might be one. All of a sudden a big old bullfrog shot out of the tall grass pass Thomas and into the water. Behind the frog was a giant water moccasin and into the water. Before I knew it I was waist-deep in the water. The snake scared Thomas so badly; that he jumped up and ran by me so fast that he blew me waist deep in the water. Needless to say, Thomas would not go back and get his poll; I had to get it. I really loved my big brother! Robert Stephens

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My thoughts and prayers are with the Thomas family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Antoinette Knowles-Coleman

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Bear worked with my dad at Goodyear, and later he and I became friends when I started working at Hobbies and Collectibles in 1999. I will always remember his laughter and love for Alabama football. I will miss him always.

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We're sorry for your loss Thomas will be missed from the hill praying for you and the family the Thomas famil

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Condolences to Stephens Family. William, Celetha, Angela & LaCoria

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I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother, Rich. May God bring you & your family comfort & peace.

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Remembering fondly he's warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit. It was indeed my blessing to have met him. My family shares in this expression of sympathy. With caring love, Dr. Deborah Smith and family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- West Gadsden Funeral Home