Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA

Obituary For Mrs. Edna White Stephens

The Road She Walked

"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." - Job 23:10

Edna Veronica White Stephens the eldest child of the late Andrew Luther White, Sr., and the late Helen Daniels White was born in Cairo, Georgia.

She attended Washington High School in Cairo where she graduated as Valedictorian of her 1956 class. She furthered her education at Fort Valley State College where she was voted Most Studious by her freshman class. She remained on the Dean’s List throughout her years. During her matriculation, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Beta Chapter in 1957. The highlight of her four years of college was holding the coveted title of Miss Fort Valley State College (1959-1960). After completing her student teaching in Columbus, Georgia, she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1960; receiving a Bachelor's of Science degree in her double major of French and English. She started her career at Washington Street High School in Quitman, Georgia. Beginning as a French teacher, she was able to spark her student’s interests far beyond Quitman’s boarders.

Within the first few years of her stay in Quitman, she met the love of her life, the late James Wesley Stephens. They married on June 13, 1964. During that same year, she was chosen for an advanced studies program at Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. After completing her program, she returned to her role of teaching now in English Literature. To the marital union, three children were born. She was preceded in death on October 12, 1967, by her firstborn son, Brian Desmond Stephens. Her many educational and community accomplishments include being a member of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Chapter Founder of Kappa Eta Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., in Valdosta, Georgia, 1974 STAR Teacher, and receiving many awards as the Literary and Oral Interpretation Coordinator and drama instructor. After 33 years of teaching at Washington Street High School and serving as Assistant Principal at Brooks County High School, she retired in 1996.

Always straightforward, when asked of her greatest accomplishments, her never-wavering response was being a mother and a grandmother.

Edna White Stephens accepted the Lord at an early age by joining Mount Calvary First Baptist Church in Cairo, Georgia, and moved her membership to Beulah Missionary Baptist Church soon after marriage. She was a devoted member serving in the Gospel Choir while chairing many commit tees. In later years, she helped revise the church’s bylaws and was Chairman of the Outreach Ministry. Along with her dedication to the ministry, most of her enjoyment was found having monthly lunches with her “Pearls.” For these outings, she would dress in her trendiest of outfits always including heels.

She departed this life on December 27, 2022, in the comfort of her home. Edna is survived by one daughter, Aleta Delayne Stephens Raiford (Delbert) of Quitman, Georgia; one son, Kendall Lerone Stephens (Rita) of Braselton,Georgia; two granddaughters, Kennedi Alise Stephens of Conyers, Georgia, and Summer Simone Stephens of Atlanta, Georgia; one sister, Agnes White Anderson (the late Leonard) of Decatur, Georgia; two brothers, Larry White (Gail) of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Kenneth Maurice White (Arrie) of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Barbara White (the late Luther Jr.) of Decatur, Georgia, and JoAnn Stephens Pride (Willie) of Cleveland, Ohio; devoted aunt, Doris White (the late Ebb) of Cleveland, Ohio; devoted cousin, Terry Daniels (Gwen) of Jacksonville, Florida; two special friends, Mary Alice Adams of Quitman, Georgia, and Yvonne Mitchner of Cuthbert, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Edna was an inspiration to all who knew her. Because her spirit was selfless and giving. She walked in an air of grace and dignity. Her love of people and community shone through to all. Her passing has left a hole in our hearts, but her teachings have left an impenetrable mark that will transcend generations.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 1PM at Beulah M.B. Church with Rev. Dr. Priscilla Adams, eulogist. Visit this website to extend condolences to the family and view a livestream of the celebration on Saturday.

Continue to keep the family in your daily thoughts and prayers.

Guest Book

It is my prayer that the family finds peace, strength, and comfort at this difficult time. It was a joy to know Mrs. Stephens. We worked together several years, and her concern for the students at Brooks County High School helped them prepare for future careers. She will be missed. Love to all! Beurena H. Wakefield

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Mrs. Edna Stephens was a great educator! She taught us lessons in school and of life. She stressed the importance of young ladies carrying themselves in a a respectable manner I thank God that she and I cross paths during my years at Brooks County High School. That beautiful smile will forever remind me of the beautiful woman of Mrs. Edna Stephens.

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One of the Grates teacher that I ever known words cannot express how I feel right now to the entire Stevens family we lost a legend I looked up to her as a role model who taught me to accomplish my goals in life kept me focus and on task yes her smile was deadly who dotted every I and crossed every T. Because of her teaching and encouragement she made me the woman that I am today so I also pursued my career as a special Education Teacher her legacy will continue to live on through us you are my hero. The class of 1970 Missionary Rosa Gosier Rochester; New York

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My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Edna Stephens,She was definitely one of the greatest teachers around. She had such a big impact on many students, she will continue to live on in each life that she touched 🙏RIP Mrs. Stephens❤️Your former Student Rosalyn Head❤️

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Quitman has lost a true treasure. I am just now learning this morning of Mrs. Stephens' passing or I would have attended her service. Sending love and condolences to her family. She was my high school English teacher and then later a mentor as I began my teaching career at BCHS in 1993. She will always be remembered by her infectious smile and sweet spirit. Sandra McDonald

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Quitman has lost a true treasure. I am just now learning this morning of Mrs. Stephens' passing or I would have attended her service. Sending love and condolences to her family. She was my high school English teacher and then later a mentor as I began my teaching career at BCHS in 1993. She will always be remembered by her infectious smile and sweet spirit.

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I'm deeply sorry to hear of the passing of our dear Mrs. Stephens! During my high school years, she was the inimitable Mrs. Stephens with the deadly smile! 😂 In recent years, I was so blessed to see her and catch up. What an elegant lady! Love and prayers for her family!

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Mrs. Stephens would have a greater influence on my life than I realized during my years at Brooks County High School. She instilled in a passion for reading and a confidence for theater and public speaking. All of these have provided greatly to my livelihood and afforded me tremendous opportunities in ministry. Her smile, her joy, and her encouragement are living memories for me almost daily. Randy Mullinax

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Praying for the family. Great Educator with a beautiful smile and much Love. Love You, RIP Brooks County Class Of 1980.

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Praying for the family. Great Educator with a beautiful smile and much Love. Love You, RIP Brooks County Class Of 1980.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will forever remember and love our dear cousin. She truly exemplified God's love to all she encountered on her life journey. With our love and respect for Edna forever!! Lawrence and Rosa Wooten Fayetteville, Georgia

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DeeDee, you and Kendall are in my thoughts and prayers. You have my deepest condolences. Diane Copeland James

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DeeDee, the lessons Edna gave you all, the way she cared,the love she gave....All of these amazing things will live on in you. Ruth and Lewis Reams, Atlanta, Ga. and Brooks, Booker T. Reunion

- RUTH REAMS

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The Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church extends our deepest sympathy, during this time of bereavement, in the loss of your loved one, and Godmother to our Pastor, Mrs. Edna White Stephens. Her memories are forever etched into the hearts and minds of those who she has touched the last 82 years and those who have gathered today to celebrate her life. She will never be forgotten. We pray that the family will allow the Lord to comfort and strengthen you during the challenging days ahead. Our church family is in constant prayer and support of you and your family, and we encourage you, in your time of grief, to call on the Lord! Be blessed, Rev. Dr. Gerald T. Folsom First Lady Joyce Folsom The Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church Family District Heights, Maryland

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The Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church extends our deepest sympathy, during this time of bereavement, in the loss of your loved one, and Godmother to our Pastor, Mrs. Edna White Stephens. Her memories are forever etched into the hearts and minds of those who she has touched the last 82 years and those who have gathered today to celebrate her life. She will never be forgotten. We pray that the family will allow the Lord to comfort and strengthen you during the challenging days ahead. Our church family is in constant prayer and support of you and your family, and we encourage you, in your time of grief, to call on the Lord! Be blessed, Rev. Dr. Gerald T. Folsom First Lady Joyce Folsom The Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church Family District Heights, Maryland

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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.

- Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA