Cecelia R. Stephens

Cecelia R. Stephens
Cecelia R. Stephens, 84, formerly of Bethlehem, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg Campus. She was the wife of the late Fred Jonathan Stephens, Jr. Born June 8, 1927, in Glasgow, Scotland, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Agnes (Charles) Sutherland. She met an American soldier from Allentown, PA who she married in 1947. Together they raised five Comanches and were married 55 years when her beloved Fred passed away in 2002. Celia worked part time as a bookkeeper for the former Eugene Jacobs at the Whitehall Mall for several years. She was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ, Emmaus. She was a member of the Overseas Wifes Club and a former member of the Chante Club, as well as Den Mother of Cub Pack 21 and a Brownie Girl Scout Leader. Celia was an animal rights activist and a member of the Humane Society of America and a former board member of the Lehigh Valley Humane Society. Survivors: Sons, Mark C., of Orwigsburg; Keith A. and his wife, Vicki, with whom she resided, of Pennsville; Kirk A.E. and his wife, Lisa, of Fogelsville; daughters, Sonia E. Stephens of Bethlehem, Heather A. Altenbach and her companion, Thomas Warner, of Raubsville; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews in the United States and Scotland. Celia was predeceased by a son, Michael in 1954; and a sister, Sonia Wallace. Service: Saturday, March 17, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at Salem UCC, 625 Chew St., Allentown, PA 18102. Viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. Calling hours are also Friday, March 16, 2012 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Trexler Funeral Home, 1625 Highland St., Allentown, PA 18102. www.trexlerfuneralhome.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Johns UCC, 139 N. 4th St., Emmaus, PA 18049 or PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510.