Jerry Walter Stephens Jr.

Jerry W. Stephens Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Jerry Walter Stephens Jr., 51, of the 900 block of Amesbury Road, answered the master's call Sept. 15, 2008, in his residence. Jerry was born March 26, 1957, to the late Jerry and Louise Stephens in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was educated in the Winston-Salem public school system. Upon graduation, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served at various commands and received numerous awards and decorations. He was assigned to Naval Station Norfolk Lambert's Point Deperming Station where he retired after 30 years of service. Jerry was a member of Garden of Prayer Worship Center, Norfolk, where he served faithfully. He was an active member of the American Legion Post No. 5. Jerry leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Audrey Leona Stephens; three daughters, Telma Aresha Stephens, U.S. Navy, Norfolk, Andrea Stephens-Tate (Bobby) of Cary, N.C., and LaNiece Stephens of Winston-Salem; three granddaughters, Jermya Stephens, Zion Montgomery and Elizabeth Tate; mother-in-law, Thelma Foster; one sister, Maria A. Stephens of Waterloo, S.C.; three brothers, Derwin Williams, Dennis Williams (Kim) and Pilot Stephens, all of Winston-Salem; and a host of other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Garden of Prayer Worship Center, 1100 Church St. Bishop L.E. Willis, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be held Sunday in Piedmont Memorial Gardens, Winston-Salem. Family and friends will assemble at 960 Amesbury Road one hour prior to the service for the procession to the church. Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby St. Chapel, is in charge. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.