Joe Edward Stephens Jr.

He was a very academically focused individual with the desire to climb the ladder of success. As a teenager, he attended A.M. Story High School where he was salutatorian of his class and very determined to succeed. His non-wasteful attitude and health consciousness helped to shape his philosophy of life.

In the summer of 1962, he enlisted in The United States Air Force and served in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, as a member of the 34th Tactical Group. He was airman of the year in 1963, a recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and was released from active duty and honorably discharged on June 15, 1966.

Following his release from active duty, he enrolled at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas in 1965. In this same year he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Delta Theta Chapter. After graduation, he joined the Alpha Eta Lambda Graduate Chapter where he remained a loyal life member. He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas Southern University School of Technology in 1968. Also at Texas Southern, he met his wife Barbara Ann James whom he later married on January 25, 1969. Three years later in 1972, they welcomed their son Joe Edward Stephens, III. The following year Joe received his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1973. His daughter Tonya Rochelle Stephens was born in 1977.

Joe received many job offers from other companies, but his job of choice was the Humble Oil Company now known as ExxonMobil Corporation. He began his career with ExxonMobil working in the Civil Engineering Division. While working for ExxonMobil he generously donated to the School of Technology at Texas Southern University. His generous gifts were matched by Exxon. As part of the companies Junior Achievement Program, Joe shared his experiences while speaking at career fairs at neighboring schools. While at ExxonMobil, he received his Certification in Engineering and held the role of a Global Remediation Technician. Joe later served as an Environmental Consultant at which time he traveled the United States on a regular basis. In 2008, he retired from ExxonMobil after serving 39 years as a valued employee.

Joe accepted God as lord and savior and united with Brookhollow Baptist Church (The Church Without Walls) under the direction of Pastor Dr. Ralph D. West. He was an avid jogger until he was diagnosed with renal cancer in February of 2011. His battled ended on May 15, 2015 while he was resting at home.

He is leaving to cherish his memory, wife, Barbara James Stephens, sons, Joe E. Stephens III (Angie) and Tracy Jenkins. Daughters ,Tonya R. Stephens, Sonya Butler, and Natalie Clewis. His devoted and loving sisters, Violet Stephens Washington of Dallas, Texas, Carla Stephens Barnett (Randy) of DeSoto, Texas and Ruby Stephens Gainus (Charles) of Palestine, Texas. Brothers George Watkins Sr. (Carolyn) of Fort Worth, Texas, James Ray Stephens (Cheryl) and John Stephens of Dallas, Texas. And host of nieces, nephews and relatives and his Alpha brothers.