Bobbie Jean Morris Stephens

Bobbie Jean Morris Stephens, 75, passed away on January 24 at Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee, surrounded by her loving family. Her life will be celebrated at Sopchoppy Southern Baptist Church, 117 Curtis Mill Rd, with a visitation from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 28. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 29, at 2 p.m., also at Sopchoppy Southern Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, William “Bill” B. Stephens, Sr., at West Sopchoppy Cemetery. She is survived by four children, Brenda Stephens Villiard (Kevin) of Sopchoppy, Pamela Stephens Smith (Ronnie) of Joplin, Missouri, William B. Stephens, Jr., of Crawfordville, and Michael Stephens (Dee) of Jacksonville. She is also survived by three sisters, Elaine Tillery of Moultrie, Georgia, MaryAnn Plymel and Maggie Wood both of Thomasville, Georgia. She has three in-law siblings, Andy Jack Stephens (Sandy), Evelyn Fay Stephens and Dollie Morris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, William M. & Mary Lou Morris and two brothers, Burnice “BC” Morris and David Morris. Bobbie was born in Thomasville, Ga., and grew up with three sisters and two brothers. She met the love of her life when she was 15 and spent the next 52 years by his side until he passed in September 2012. Not only was she was blessed with four children, her family grew by 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. In addition she was blessed with many cousins, nieces and nephews. She and Bill moved to Sopchoppy from Lakeland, FL. in 1973, and immediately became loyal members of the community. She worked at the Wakulla County Public Library when it was located in the old historic Wakulla County Courthouse, and ultimately retired from Wakulla County Public Works in 2000. Bobbie was a member of Sopchoppy Southern Baptist Church. Bobbie was fond of clogging and square dancing, performing alongside her husband at many local festivals and events. She was always captivated by the beauty of the Smokey Mountains, traveling there at every opportunity. She loved camping and fishing, spending many vacations with friends and family at some of her favorite camp grounds in Cape San Blas, Saint George Island, and Alligator Point. She brought immeasurable joy to her friends and family. Bobbie had a warm and welcoming smile and a fostering heart. Though she has been called to Heaven’s Gate leaving so many behind who deeply loved her, we can find solace knowing that she is reunited with her love singing the gospel and dancing to Elvis on streets of gold. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending your donations to Big Bend Hospice, who gave our matriarch the most comforting care. David Conn of Bevis Funeral Home, Harvey Young Chapel in Crawfordville is assisting the family with arrangements. (850-926-3333 or www.bevisfh.com)

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Bobbie Jean Morris Stephens

July 7, 1943 - January 24, 2019