Theda 'Gayle' Stephens

Theda Gayle Stephens, our beloved “Pammaw,” passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 80. She was born on October 10, 1945, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Horace Kennedy and Howard Mae Grayson.

To know her was to know strength and kindness. She had the most generous heart and an unmatched ability to make others feel truly seen. Her intentionality—in her time, her gifts, and her love—left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She carried those she loved through both their joys and their hardest challenges. She also had a deep love for dogs throughout her life, each one becoming a cherished member of the family.

She married her husband, Andrew Glenn Stephens, on January 10, 1978. She retired from the State of Texas after more than 20 years of dedicated service. She loved her church, Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown, Texas, and filled her days with lunch outings and good conversations with friends, Saturday shopping at TJ Maxx, listening to Elvis, The Eagles, and Neil Diamond, reading her favorite books, and spending time with her dogs and family.

She leaves behind her children: Mitchell Stepp (Vanessa), Amber Stepp, Edward Blalock (Beverly), and Velvet Ziedler; her grandchildren: Brittney Hill, Keaton Stepp (Carrie), Kelsey Green (Ryan), Zachary Henery, Matthew Ziedler (Hannah), Grayson Stepp, Madison Blalock (Tanner), Randon “Drew” Ziedler (Zoe), Garrett Blalock (Chloey), and Mason Blalock; along with 11 great-grandchildren whom she adored. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a date determined by the family to honor her life, her legacy, and the immeasurable love she shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Dream Dachs, a cause close to her heart. For those wishing to contribute or reach out, the rescue can be contacted at contact-us@dreamdachs.org.