Jaunice Stephens

On June 14th, 2019, Jaunice (Corder) Stephens was welcomed into Heaven’s gates at 90 years of age in Jackson, WY.

Jaunice was born to Collis P Corder and Sallie Frank (McCrary) Corder November 25th, 1928 in  Nacogdoches County, TX. There she was raised learning from an early age to cook, sew and assist her mother with daily tasks. In her senior year of High School, Jaunice met Thomas “Big Stephe” Cade Stephens and later married on March 16, 1947 in Marshall, TX. Of that union came Jahton Thomas Stephens February 24th, 1948 and Lephen Corder Stephens January 24, 1951.

In their 64 years of marriage, Jaunice and husband, Big Stephe, lived in Nacogdoches, TX (1947-1951), Brownsville, TX (1951-1952), Bremerton, WA (1952-1953), Rapid City, South Dakota (1953-1959) and Cody, WY (1959-1964) until settling in Jackson, WY in 1964.

A loving wife, mother and homemaker, Jaunice enjoyed entertaining family and guests from all over.  Her home resembled a museum rich in Western history as well as showcasing her and Big Stephe’s adventures. She loved cooking and believed the best stories were shared over a home cooked meal. And always - no visit would be complete without a signature in the guest book and a photo!

Jaunice had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of the Jackson Hole Church of Christ. Over the years, she had become known as “Mama Jo” to the church’s members and visitors. She was the church’s bookkeeper and kept up to date with each member and visitor through her monthly newsletter.

Awaiting her in Heaven are her parents Collis P Corder and Sallie Frank (McCrary) Corder, husband Thomas “Big Stephe” Cade Stephens, daughter in law Cathie Bradley-Stephens and granddaughter Jena Marie Bowles.

She is survived by her sons Jahton Thomas Stephens, Lephen Corder Stephens (wife Elaine Stephens), sister Maxine Atkinson, brothers Paul Corder(wife Patricia Corder) and James Coder (wife Mary Corder), grandson Kelly Thomas Stephens, great-granddaughter Cadie Vaughan Lynn Carter and great-great grandson Bradley Eyas Carter.

The absence of Jaunice’s warm and welcoming presence is already felt by her family and within the church, but we are all so thankful for the time shared with our dear Mama Jo.

A memorial service is planned for June 30th, 2019 at the Jackson Hole Church of Christ – 690 Lakota Lane at 11:30am.