Louise Brown Stephens, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 16 in Harrison, TN, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 25, 1930, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jean William Stephens, and her parents, Fred Estes Brown and Mattie Mae Elizabeth Johnson Brown; a baby sister who died at birth; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Bill and June Stephens Bond, Roscoe and Anna Lee Stephens, and Bramblette and Elizabeth Stephens.
She is survived by her children, Sarah (Rafe) Smith; John Stephens (Shannan Billings); and Paul (Libby) Stephens; grandchildren, Rachel (Ben) Carter; Stephen (Elizabeth) Smith, Aimee (Josh) Pugh, Ford Smith, and Sarah Reeve Smith; Erin Stephens (Charlie Fu); Emily Stephens (Colin Mortensen);and Heidi Stephens (Joe Opinski); and Bradley and Hannah Stephens; great-grandchildren; Eleanor Pugh; and Brody and Emma Carter; sisters, Martha Ann (Marcie) McMillan, and Freda Elizabeth Hart; and many nieces and nephews.
Louise grew up in the Brainerd neighborhoods where her father was the owner and pharmacist at the Belvoir Pharmacy. In 1967, Louise and her sisters, The Brown Sisters, made a cherished record of sacred songs. As a lasting gift to her children, she wrote a beautiful family history which she shared in 2007.
Louise attended Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, along with her friend and future sister-in-law June Stephens. She was a member of the Madrigalians, Peabody Players, and Beta Kappa Tau and Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity at Peabody. She was elected Miss Peabody.
After graduation, Louise began a lifelong career as a teacher. In 1953, she married Jean William Stephens at Brainerd Baptist Church. Jean was a teacher and later principal at Hixson Elementary and East Ridge High Schools and director of high schools in Chattanooga. Louise took a joyful break from teaching when her three children joined the family. After the children were grown, Louise returned to teaching in 1968, retiring in 1987. After retirement she was a leader in the Tennessee Retired Teachers’ Association and the East Tennessee Vocal Association (ETVA). In 2013, ETVA created the Louise Stephens Vocal Music Scholarship.
Her faith in Jesus Christ and her love of music were foundational principles for Louise’s life. Louise accepted Jesus as her personal Savior in April 1939 at Brainerd Baptist Church where she remained an active member for many years. She was called to serve as Brainerd’s interim choir director several times. Her involvement in music was deep. She sang and directed the Sweet Adelines as well as the Singing Dilettantes. She was part of the Choral Arts Society and the Scenic City Chorale for many years.
Louise’s large and beloved extended family share the consensus that she was simply the kindest, most loving person they have known. She was a sacrificial servant serving her church and community. She was legendary for her Sunday family dinners with everyone would come over after church for food and fellowship. She was extraordinarily talented but incredibly humble, giving her Savior the glory for any and all of her many accomplishments. No mother has ever been prouder of her beautiful children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and even her beloved nieces and nephews. While those who love her mourn, we can all imagine the reunion in heaven when she joined her beloved husband.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 22, at 2:30 pm, at Brainerd Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Bond and Rev. Bryan Skinner officiating. Pallbearers will be David Bond, Ben Carter, Phil Hart, Josh Pugh, Bill Whitson, and Fred Whitson. The honorary Pallbearers are her devoted caregivers: Janice Bryan, Carolyn Cox, Paula Guest, Gina Knight, Carmen Meadows, Janice Morgan, Kristen Thomison, Sally Thomison, and Starr Thomison. The family will receive friends from 11:30 – 2:30 in the church sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: The East Tennessee Vocal Association, Louise Stephens Vocal Scholarship, Kathryn E. May, Executive-Secretary/Treasurer, 674 Clear Springs Road, Limestone, TN 37681.
