Lois Ann Stephenson

Lois Ann Stephenson, 82, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away on February 22, 2026.

Born to James Davis "J. D." Stephenson and Edna Earl Ballard, Lois Ann is the fifth generation of Stephensons to live in Corpus Christi. The Stephenson family were deeply rooted in Baptist church life. Her father faithfully served as a deacon and, both he and Edna taught Sunday School. Lois Ann distinctly remembered her parents praying daily, thanking God for her life, and expressing how much they loved her.

Though an only child, she was never a lonely one. From an early age, Lois Ann loved reading and music. She learned needlework, played the piano and organ, and sang in the choir. She fondly recalled playing the piano for the first time during a Wednesday night service - her nerves soon giving way to joy as she became one of the church's regular pianists. She sang in the choir for more than 60 years. Her family were longtime members of Downtown Baptist Church, later known as Parkdale Baptist Church, and now Community of Faith.

Lois Ann graduated from the University of Corpus Christi with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1964 and began her career as a schoolteacher. She later earned a Master of Science from Texas A&M Commerce and a Master of Education from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Over 34 years, she faithfully taught music and special education until her retirement in 1997. Following her tenure at Parkdale Baptist School, she served as a diagnostician for charter schools and mentored first-year teachers in an alternative certification program. She fully retired in 2013, concluding an educational career that spanned 50 years.

With more time in retirement, Lois Ann continued her deep involvement in church ministry and embraced new adventures around the world. An avid traveler, she visited all seven continents, including Antarctica. She especially enjoyed archaeology and studying the history of Israel.

Despite many health challenges, Lois Ann viewed every doctor's appointment and medical encounter as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus. Her joy in the Lord was evident to all who knew her. She often reflected on her father's favorite hymn, "The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows," and found its words to be a living testimony of her own life.

Lois Ann faithfully served as a trustee for Stark College & Seminary for seven years from 2009-2016. Additionally, she established the Stephenson Legacy Endowment (Women-in-Ministry Scholarship) to support women who currently serve or aspire to serve in ministry within the local church. As the last Stephenson of her family line, Lois Ann desired that her family's devout Christian heritage continue through the lives of scholarship recipients. Grateful for the upbringing that encouraged her own ministry service, she longed to provide that same encouragement to other women called to serve in church life.

Her most cherished verse, Isaiah 61:10 (NKJV), proclaims, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness…."

Celebration of Life services will be held at Community of Faith, 6606 Weber Road, on Friday, February 27, at 10:00 am with a visitation prior to the service from 9-9:45 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation to her church: Community of Faith.