Irma J. Stephens Celebration of Life Program

Musical Prelude.......................................................................................Luther Chambers Processional...........................................................................................Clergy and Family Scripture Reading..............................................................................Rev. Doris Hamilton Old Testament & New Testament Prayer of Comfort..............................................................................Chaplain Bill Burrell Musical Selection.............................................................................Rev. Deedra Chambers Reflections..................................................................................................Terrance Green Terre Blair Mary Edith Green James “Poo” Johnson Acknowledgments...............................................................................Shanita Eure Lewis Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage Musical Selection.............................................................................Rev. Deedra Chambers Eulogy..................................................................................Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. Recessional...............................................................................Clergy, Family, and Friends

Hampton Memorial Gardens 110 Butler Farm Road Hampton, Va 23666

Irma J. Stephens, 87 years old transitioned from this earthly life on Friday, June 3rd at home after a long illness.

Irma was born to the late Amos Williams and Emma Cheeseman Williams on October 20, 1934. She and her brothers were raised in Newport News, VA by her maternal grandmother (Grandma Cheeseman) after her father and mother died when she was young. She graduated from Huntington High School in 1953.

On July 4, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Wilbert “Dickie” Stephens and to this 64 year union, two children were born: Glen Lee Stephens who passed away on November 11, 2020 and Robbin Freeman.

Irma was an active member of Christian Union Church early in life and later joined Gethsemane Baptist Church where she served on the Senior Usher Board until her health declined. She worked as a secretary with Basic Construction Company, worked in home care for several years and later retired with Hampton City Schools as a custodian.

Irma was one of the original mothers of Pennsylvania avenue where she lived for over 50 years and “adopted” many of the children as her own. She was a dedicated mother and wife and friend. She had a million dollar smile and laugh that was infectious. She enjoyed being around her family and her friends, laughing and telling jokes. She loved talking on the phone and watching football and basketball games.

Irma now joins her mother, father, grandmother; oldest brother, Amos Williams Jr; younger brother Edward “Butch’ Williams and her beloved son, Glen Lee Stephens in heaven.

She leaves behind her husband of 64 years Wilbert Stephens, daughter, Robbin Freeman (Steven), daughter in law, Keitha Stephens, grandson, Lamar Rice of Baltimore, MD; grand daughters Kaylynn Stephens of Hampton, VA and Sydne Freeman of Temple Hills MD, three nephews, two nieces and a host of friends that were like family.

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

By: Janice M. Fair-Salters

Family Members and Friends

The family of the late Irma Stephens would like to thank family and friends for your support and visits during the illness of our loved one. Whether you called, sent a card, text or Facebook messages, visited, or provided a meal, your support and generosity has helped during the passing of our beloved. Please continue to pray for us in the days, weeks, months and years to come as we place our faith in God to heal our broken hearts.

A special thank you is extended to Hampton Health and Rehabilitation staff, Riverside Home Care and Heartland Hospice for the care you provided for our loved one. We also want to thank Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel for your professional services. May God richly blesses each of you.