Jo Stephens, 84

Funeral services for Thelma Jo Stephens, 84, of Ava, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava with Pastor James Hathcock and the Rev. Robert Roberts officiating and eulogies given by her son, Max Stephens, and granddaughter, Lana Stephens. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mrs. Stephens died Nov. 1 at her home following a short illness.
She was born March 10, 1935, in the Ozark County community of Trail,  the daughter of George Washington and Maggie Hicks Pool.  On June 19,1954, in Ava, she married John Stephens. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
 She was a 1954 graduate of Dora High School. She retired from Ava Walmart in the fabric department after 14 years. She often spoke of her time at Hagale Industries as well. Mrs. Stephens was a Christian and attended Life Church in Ava, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was a talented guitar player, playing and singing with Bessie, Jewell and Kay.  She was known for her love and pride for her grandchildren and also for her ornery sense of humor. Friends and family never knew what might come out of her mouth, but it was guaranteed to make people smile.
She enjoyed bowling, sewing and watching Jeopardy.  She also enjoyed playing cards with her family, especially when she was winning at pitch.
She is survived by John Stephens, her loving husband of 65 years; two children, Max Stephens and wife Kathy of Fordland, and Lisa Hensley of Hartville; grandchildren Lana Stephens, Eric Stephens, Jordan (Hensley) and Frank Lada and Seth and Laken Hensley; two sisters, Veda Bushong of Ava and Juanita Kazenske of Silvis, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings: Hazel Bushong, Gene Pool, “Buck” Pool, Glen Pool, Benny Pool, Midge Berry and Irene Strong.
Burial will be in the Eaton Cemetery in Trail. Memorial contributa
Memorials may be made to the family as a Love offering or to the Eaton Cemetery.  Online condolences may be expressed at made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.

Ozark County Times

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