Mrs. Betty Joyce Stephens was born on February 1, 1947 in Etowah County to the late Alonso Davenport and the late Catherine Nelson. God sent adoptive parents the late Mr. Willie and Maude Moore; biological sister Mrs. Irene Davenport Hill and adoptive sister Ms. Jackie Marie Moore.

She confessed Christ at an early age and was Baptized into the Shiloh Baptist Church Family under the leadership of Rev. B.F. Patrick, in later years, at the age of 13 she united with the Galilee Baptist Church Family under the leadership of Rev. E.W. Jarrett and since 1973 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. G.E. Robinson. She served God and her church faithfully until her death as President of the Senior usher ministry; Adult Women's Class Sunday School Teacher; Member of the Mass Choir; Secretary of the General Missionary Society-years later President of the General Missionary Society and a member of the Kitchen Hospitality Committee. She also worked faithfully with the Wills Creek Association and was Vice-President of the Tri-City Usher Council.

A Little Galilee Baptist Church Known History Fact: On May 20, 1973 she married the love of her life Deacon Thomas Alfonza Stephens, Jr. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. G.E. Robinson. They were the very first couple that Rev. Dr. G.E. Robinson married at Galilee Baptist Church since his installation the first Sunday in April 1973. Rev. Dr. G.E. Robinson would often let it be known that our parents were the very first couple that he married at Galilee Baptist Church. He was very proud of their union.

She was a 1965 Carver High School graduate, she also attended Tennessee State University and Gadsden Business College. She worked at the Steel Plant for a very short time and at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for a few years, but pretty soon she became a Stay at Home Mom. She never missed any activity that her children, LaDonna and Jason were involved in. She loved every minute of it. She was her children's Biggest Cheerleaders. She was very active in her Children's lives by working a lot with their school's PTSA and also being a parent chaperon at various school outing events.

She was a very kind, caring, compassionate and loving Wife, Mother, Daughter, and Friend. She was always sharing and helping others and she never met a stranger. She taught her children to love each other no matter what because there would come a time when each other is all we will have. Some of her other helpful nuggets and words of wisdom consisted of going to church, paying your tithes, loving everybody and helping those in need, being their for each other, remaining close to each other, and loving each other. She always told her daughter before she went off to work as a dialysis RN to go and help somebody. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She departed her earthly life peacefully at 9:49pm on Good Friday April, 18, 2025 at Gadsden Regional Medical Center in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit Surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her biological father, Mr. Alonzo Davenport; her biological mother, Ms. Catherine Nelson; her biological sister Irene Davenport Hill; her adopted father, Mr. Willie J Moore, Jr.; her adopted mother, Mrs. Maude K. Moore; her adopted sister Ms. Jackie Marie Moore and her loving husband, Mr. Thomas A. Stephens Jr.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: Two loving children, LaDonna J. Evans of Gadsden, AL and Jason L. Stephens of Pelham, AL; one sister-cousin, Ms. Barbara Faye Sullivan of Gadsden, AL; five dear sister-friends, Mrs. Sandra Graham, Mrs. Faye Parker, Mrs. Jackie Davis, Ms. Lilly Young and Ms. Sherlene Bethley all of Gadsden, AL; and a whole slew of cousins too numerous to name; three brothers-in-law, Mr. Robert (Ann)Stephens of Jacksonville, FL, Mr. John Wesley (Joyce) Stephens of Dallas, GA and Mr. Richard (CiCi) Broxie of Cresson, PA; two sisters-law, Mrs. Jacqueline (Aaron) Gross of Stoughton, MA, and Ms. Sontonia Stephens of Northport, AL; a host of nieces and nephews; three godchildren, Tawana Card-Hall, Erica Card and Layla Hughes; many dear family and friends too numerous to name, her Pastor and church family that she loved dearly

The family will be receiving guest from 4:30 P.M.- 6:30 P.M at 804 Miller Ave, Gadsden, Al. 35903

Public Viewing & Visitation will be Friday, April 25, 2025. 12:00 Noon -6:00 P.M. at the West Gadsden Funeral Home (Rev. G.E. & Betty Robinson) Chapel

Celebration of life Services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Galilee Baptist Church. 901 S.16th Street, Gadsden, Al. 35901

Premier Provider of Professional Services: West Gadsden Funeral Home 256-549-0004

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