Mark Stephens

Richard Mark Stephens, age 61, passed away August 21, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. Mark was born February 18, 1963 in Nacogdoches, Texas to John David Stephens and Jean Kennedy Stephens. He attended school in Nacogdoches, graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1981, and then attended Southwest Texas State University. Mark was a jeweler by trade, learning from his father and grandfather at Kennedy’s Jewelers. He also worked at Robert’s Jewelers in Corpus Christi, where he met the love of his life, Julie.

Mark and Julie returned to Nacogdoches to raise their family and help with the family business at Kennedy’s Jewelers. He loved playing golf and going to the beach, and he found his happy place in Mazatlán, Mexico. As an adult Mark rediscovered a talent for painting, and had his work included in the Friends of the Visual Arts 12x12 Event. Mark’s love language was cooking for his family.

Eight years ago, Mark was given the gift of life by receiving a liver transplant at Methodist Hospital. He and his family were eternally grateful for the additional time that transplant gave him. Through the bumps along the way Mark was a fighter, and he fought to the very end. At the end of his life Mark was able to pay it forward through organ donation.

Mark is survived by his wife of 27 years, Julie Stephens, his son David Stephens, his daughter Emilie McClellan and her husband Jake, as well as his grandson Tripp McClellan. He is also survived by his mother, Jean Stephens and his sister, Stephanie Stephens. He was predeceased by his father, David Stephens.

The family is very grateful to Dr. Constance Mobley and her transplant team at Methodist Hospital for their compassionate care over the past eight years. We also want to thank Dr. Dolamu Sokumbi and staff at Dialysis Clinic, Inc. and Dr. Kathleen Querry and staff at NMC Wound Care Center for their unwavering support.

To honor Mark’s memory, please consider a donation to the Houston Methodist Hospital Transplant

Center, P.O. Box 4384 Houston, Texas 77210.

Services are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.