Thomas Stephens,Jr. "Bear"

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.

Send flowers to the service of Thomas Stephens,Jr. "Bear"