Vera Joy Stephens

Vera Joy Dodson Stephens, was born on March 6, 1929 in Shallowater, Texas and grew up in Lubbock, Texas and Hobbs, New Mexico. She attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas and graduated from the University of Houston. Joy lived a radiant Christian life for 93 years. She and husband, Paul, had been married for 72 years when Paul left for heaven September 14, 2019. Together, they pastored churches in Cisco, Baytown, Houston, Austin & Elgin, Texas. In 2013, Joy and Paul moved from Austin to Houston to be near their son John, his wife Allyson and their grandsons Tyler and Ben.

Joy taught First Grade for over 30 years at Long Point Baptist School in Houston and at Hyde Park Baptist School in Austin. After retirement in 2013, Joy volunteered for a time at a school in the Katy School District. Joy was a dedicated soul winner and led people to Christ all of her adult life. She also mentored many young women in the faith and taught a young married women’s class for many years. Many women count Joy as one of the greatest mentors and influencers in their lives.

John’s wife, Allyson, left for heaven just two weeks after Paul, on September 28, 2019. Allyson was the daughter Joy had always wanted and Joy loved shopping together and buying for Allyson. Losing Paul and Allyson so close together took its toll on Joy and we thought we might lose her. Being the resilient woman she was, her joy came back a little while after Paul and Allyson’s homegoing and she resided at the Comfy Care home in Richmond, TX for two years and loved her time there. She spent her afternoons reading her bible and listening to the Bible on CD. Wanting everyone to know Jesus, she was always thinking of subtle ways to witness; giving one of her caregivers a children’s Bible story book for Christmas. Joy’s thinking was if the worker read the book to her children, she might meet Jesus and then lead her children to Christ.

Joy is survived by her son, John, grandsons, Tyler and wife Hannah, Ben and wife Brittainy and great grandchildren, Payton & Paisley and many family and friends. Family who went on before her were her husband, Paul, son, Billy Carl, daughter in law, Allyson, parents, Mr and Mrs. W.H. Dodson, brothers, Reid, Truett, Paul and sister, Leota.

Funeral services will be at Cook Walden Funeral Home 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Family Visitation 12-1 pm

Service 1 pm

Burial March 30, 3 pm

Cook Walden/ Capital Parks

14501 N IH 35

Pflugerville, TX 78660

In lieu of flowers Joy requested donations to Gideon International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090 or online at Gideons.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Stephens family.