Mr. J. M. Stephens

Mr. J. M. Stephens, age 83, of Toccoa, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2018 at his home. Born March 25, 1935 in Colquitt, GA, he was a son of the late Benjamin Marion and Laura Lugenia Meades Stephens. He was a member of the Toccoa First United Methodist Church and was a United States Navy Veteran from 1953 - 1957. Mr. Stephens taught and coached at Dacula Highn School from 1962-1965, Assistant Principal at Jenkins High School in Savannah, GA from 1965-1966, was Principal of Stephens County High School from 1966 – 1980 and Stephens County School Superintendent from 1980 – 1992. Family members include his son and daughter-in-law, Barry Stephens and Cindy of Jefferson; his daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl Chastain and Rondal of Cleveland; grandchildren, Ashley Stephens of Jefferson, and Andrew Stephens and Victoria of Commerce; great-grandson, Cohen Stephens; sisters-in-law, Ann Stephens of Calhoun, GA and Barbara Stephens of Dallas, GA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Murphy Stephens; and brothers, Tom Stephens and Benjamin Stephens. Funeral services will be held at one o'clock Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from the Chapel of Whitlock Mortuary with Dr. John Brown and the Rev. Jerrell Beatty officiating. Burial will follow at Stephens Memorial Gardens. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers; Buddy Smith, James Payne, Jimmy Howard, Jim Bellamy, George Sanders, Stan McFarlin, and Ron Barker. The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Flowers are optional. Those desiring may make memorial donations to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitlockmortuary.net Whitlock Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.