John Pearson Stephens

Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force (Retired) John Pearson Stephens age 83 of Pascagoula, MS died Monday, November 20, 2006 at his residence.

Born July 20, 1923 to the late Frank P. and Dora Bennett Stephens, he had been a longtime resident of Pascagoula. A graduate of Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama, Class of 1943.

He joined the United States Air Force and advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University.

Upon retiring from the United States Air Force Mr. Stephens began his career with Mississippi Power Company. He retired from Mississippi Power in 1980 as the company's Vice President. He was a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church of Pascagoula. Mr. Stephens will be deeply missed by his many friends and family.

Among his survivors are his beloved wife of 33 years Cecile Higdon Stephens, his children John P. Stephens Jr. and his wife Allison; Alva S. Peden; Laura S. Cooper and her husband Edward; step-children William "Bill" T. Higdon, III; Kent T. Higdon and his wife Ruby; Dean G. Higdon and his wife Laura; grandchildren Robert G. Snelling, III and his wife Dawn; Andrew H. Snelling; Christine M. Cooper; Daniel R. Stephens, Jr.; William A. Peden, II; Allie Peden; Courtney S. Pickering and husband Greg; Step grandchildren Kelly Higdon Foster and her husband Joseph; William T. Higdon, IV and his wife Emily; Brent A. Higdon; Dr. Kent "Kye" Higdon; T. Elias Higdon; Hunter A. Higdon; M. Christopher Higdon; Anastasia Higdon; Dan Frierra; Alex Frierra; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister Alva Stephens Roth; two brothers, Dan Oliver and Mack

Stephens; a son Dan Richard Stephens and a son-in-law, Dr. Richard L. Peden.

Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday November 22, 2006 at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Pascagoula with Fr. Dennis Ryan officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 P.M. in Biloxi National Cemetery under the auspices of the United States Air Force.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the church. Those who desire may make memorial contributions to the St. Johns Episcopal Church, 3507 Pine Street, Pascagoula, Ms 39567.

Those unable to attend may register online at www.obryantokeefe.com. Arrangements by O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pascagoula, MS.