of Greenbrier, AR

December 31, 1930 - December 29, 2023

Wyondlene (Wayne, Wanda) Stephenson, born December 31, 1930, went to be with her Lord Friday, December 29, 2023 while a resident of Greenbrier Nursing Home. She was born Wyondlene Fuller in Belmont, MS to Alfred Walter Fuller and Minnie Lee (Burcham) Fuller and a member of a share-croppers family. Her family moved to Russellville, Alabama where she spent most of her youthful days.

While a teenager she met a former army vet, Robert Stephenson returned from World War II and they were married in Iuka, MS on July 5th of 1946. They continued their early marriage years in Russellville, AL and she had given birth to three boys. It was a difficult time for the family financially and she and her husband made a move to Kalamazoo, MI to find employment. Mom retired from Mead Corp. after almost 40 years.

It was in Kalamazoo, MI that the family began to find the financial stability to put together a stable family environment. While she and her husband were working, she never forgot how to be a loving and faithful wife and mother. She and Dad, always seemed to be there and we boys didn't possibly understand the challenges they faced. We always knew we were loved and cared for.

Mom and Dad, not only were aware of the material needs of a family, but they both had a desire to worship as a family and serve Jesus. Mom and Dad became charter members of a mission work in Kalamazoo, MI, which became known as The First Missionary Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, which still functions today. Mom and Dad were faithful members to the work of the church and we were always there for services.

Mom loved the Lord and loved to sing and she was gifted with a beautiful alto voice that could certainly be heard. Oh, 'How the Glory Did Roll' and 'I'll Meet you in the Morning'. Nothing seemed to bless her more than when, along with her husband, the boys got to where the family sang together as 'The Stephenson Family' at concerts and mostly church services.

Outside of church activities, Mom and Dad were always faithful to all sporting events from Little League, throughout the school years. Baseball, basketball, football they always seemed to make the games. We used to wonder how they made all the games.
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Mom was given to hard work, being disciplined and a clean house. Her boys had to look good, be well behaved and help with keeping the house clean. It was a challenge she never did give up on. She loved her husband, she loved her sons, she loved every member of her family as it has grown over the years. She has been a great example to all of us and we have been most blessed! She has been a faithful member of Springhill Baptist Church, Greenbrier, AR for over twenty years until her health failed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Stephenson of 56 years. She is survived by her sons, Robert (Mary) Stephenson of Greenbrier, AR, Ed (Sarah) Stephenson of Greenbrier, AR and Gary (Phyllis) Stephenson of Kalamazoo, MI; her grandchildren, Jeff Stephenson, Conway AR, Jamie (Johnathan) Ballard, Benton, AR, Eddie (Amy) Stephenson, LR, AR, Chad Stephenson, Greenbrier, AR, Sheri (David) Troff, Plainwell, MI, Mark (Ellie) Stephenson, Kalamazoo, MI, Bret (Ashlee) Stephenson, Portage, MI. She is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

The family would like to say a special 'Thank You' to the caregivers of Greenbrier Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 11:30AM at Springhill Baptist Church in Greenbrier. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at 10:30AM. Burial will follow in Springhill Cemetery.

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