Jerry D. Stephens

1943 - 2021

Jerry D. Stephens

March 5, 1943 - April 26, 2021

Jerry D. Stephens, of Dry Fork, Va., formerly of Java, Va., accepted the Lord's call to eternal glory on Monday, April 26, 2021, at his residence. Jerry "JD" Stephens was born on March 5, 1943, to the late Jimmy and Mary Logan Stephens. He was one of 19 siblings.

At a young age he accepted Christ and united with the County Line Baptist Church. He was also a faithful attendee of Shockoe Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a founding member of the Shockoe Male Chorus. In his later years, he joined Amazing Bibleway of Clarksville, Va. Jerry was educated in the Pittsylvania County School System where he attended Northside High School.

Jerry had many accomplishments to include entrepreneur of Stephens Logging and retired Board member of Mecklenburg Electric Company. He continued his passion for entrepreneurship and his love for trucking, as he drove over the roads for many years.

His love for quartet music led him to numerous cities along the east coast. He established lasting relationships with many professional quartet groups from all over.

Jerry never met a stranger and often held long conversations that built lasting relationships.

He was predeceased by his son, Carlton Stephens; son-in-law, Timothy Saunders; and brothers, Ernest and Sylvester Stephens.

Left to cherish his memories are his devoted children, Jerry Stephens Jr. (Wanda) of Virginia Beach, Va., Jacqueline Saunders Smith (Phillip) and Jernetta Stephens, both of Danville, Va.; three grandchildren, Isley Saunders of Danville, Va., Jocelyn Saunders of Alexandria, Va. and Jerwan Stephens of Virginia Beach, Va.; seven brothers; ten sisters; and host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 30, 2021, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, Gretna, Va. The family will be present from 5 until 7 p.m. A service of celebration will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 12 p.m. from Bibleway Cathedral, 215 Grant St., Danville, VA 24541, Pastor Antonel Myler Sr., Officiant and Elder Wally Stephens, Eulogist. Interment will be at Riceville Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, mask and social distancing will be required during the visitation and funeral service. Social gathering will not be allowed.