Bellville Times

Stephens
Mattie Lou "Dood" Johnson Stephens passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept.
3, 2007 at the age of 87.
She was born Feb. 18, 1920 to James Lee and Mabel Clara Johnson in Lubbock,
Texas. She graduated from Seagraves High School in 1938 and worked in the
family restaurant as a young girl.
She married Wilbur Ray Stephens on April 29, 1939, in Brownfield, Texas.
She traveled with her husband in the military, living in Texarkana,
Anchorage, Alaska, and Fort Worth before moving to Bellville to form J&S
Well Service with her brother, in 1951.
She has been a resident of Bellville for over 60 years.
Mattie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and was a Girl Scout leader
for both of her daughters and taught many girls the joy of serving others.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bellville for more than 50
years and was a Sunday school teacher, Bible studies teacher, served on many
committees and was always available when others needed her.
She was a founding member of the Bellville High School Band Parents, and
traveled on many trips working concession stands and doing whatever needed
to be done for the kids. She was also the secretary at the Fitness Center
and more often than not, listened to mother's and little children's stories,
and when called on, offered wisdom or just a much needed hug.
Her love for sports and music was evident. She loved the Brahmas and
Brahmanettes, and of course her beloved Texas Longhorns. She knew more about
offenses and defenses then most coaches. She appreciated music, especially
concerts, whether it was a fifth grade band or Neil Diamond. If she wasn't
supporting her kids or grandkids at their events, there was always a game or
music event to be watched on television, or listened to on the radio. Her
strong belief in God, common sense, love of other people and treating
everyone fairly was of great importance to her.
Though small in stature, she had a great impact on everyone around her.
Mattie, Dood or Meemaw was a teacher of life, a role model for many, and an
angel on earth.
She is survived by her son, Michael "Spanky" Stephens of Bellville;
daughters Pamela Harbers and her husband Roy of West Point and Alisa Taylor
and her husband Brian of Bellville; grandchildren Reagan Stephens and
girlfriend Heather Baker of Austin, Karin Harbers of Huntsville, Stephen
Taylor of Huntsville and Jacob Taylor of Bellville; sister-in-law Melba
Calhoun and her husband Virgil of Port Lavaca and many nieces, nephews and
friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, W.R. Stephens, a son Wilbur Ray
Stephens Jr. and parents.
Funeral service was 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007 from Schmidt Funeral
Home Chapel with the Rev. Steve Olsen officiating. Interment was in Pilgrims
Rest Cemetery in Bellville.
Serving as pallbearers were John Janicek, Bret Laughter, Bob Sprague, Doug
Weiss, Karl Ebert and John Sprague.
In lieu of usual remembrances, friends who wish may make memorial gifts to
the: Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 Blue Bell Rd., Brenham Texas 77833 or the
Bellville Young Life, P.O. Box 584, Bellville, Texas 77418.
Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Posted by Joy Neely