Wessie Lee Stephens

“Give to the world the best that you have and the best will come back to you”,

Wessie Lee Stephens was born on October 15, 1926, in a community named Wattsville, in Laurens County, to the late Henrietta Henderson and the late Eugene Philson. After the passing of her mother, Wessie was adopted and reared in the home of the late Willie Workman and the late Carrie Workman.

Wessie was educated in the Laurens County School system and graduated from Sanders High School. She continued her education at Friendship College in Rock Hill, SC.

Wessie committed her life to the Lord at an early age and joined the St. Paul Baptist Church. She was very active in many auxiliaries, including the Junior Missionary Society. She often would take the trip to the annual convention and would stay in the homes of those who were hosting the event. Wessie spoke of the ladies going out early in the morning to kill a chicken that would be used for their meals.  Because of her involvement with the missionaries, she developed a strong desire to work in the mission field.

On October 15, 1955, Wessie was wed to the late John F. Stephens, and from that union four daughters were born. In 1956, she joined the Harrison Grove Baptist Church. Her husband John transitioned after 19 wonderful years of marital bliss. With God’s help, she was able to finish raising their children.

At Harrison Grove Baptist Church Wessie was active in many ministries including the Deaconess Ministry(former chairman), Pastor’s Aide Ministry (former president), Women's Ministry (former President),  Sunday School (former teacher), Benevolence Committee, Girl Scouts (co-leader),  and Culinary Ministry.  She was also the president of the Willing Workers Sympathy Club for over 50 years.

Wessie was an accomplished chef and enjoyed fixing delectable meals. She also thoroughly enjoyed entertaining people in her home, which brought her so much joy. Her biggest pastime was traveling. She had the opportunity to travel stateside as well as abroad, making two trips to Europe. She was slated to travel to the Bahamas right before her passing.

She was preceded in death, along with her parents, by adopted parents; husband; by daughters, Vickie Stephens and Eva Graham; son, Kenneth Miller; and siblings, Rebeca Blakely and Ernest Philson.

 She leaves her legacy of faith and love to daughters, Carrie Stephens, Johnnie M. Stephens, and Debra (Willie) Foster all of Roebuck, SC; grandchildren, Christopher Williams of  Roebuck, SC, Andrew Stephen Williams of Burbank CA, and Katrina (Wayne) Copeland of Duncan, SC; great grandchildren, Christiana Williams, Mya Copeland,  Kingston Copeland and  Christian Williams; special nephew, Marion (Delores) Blakely; and a host of adopted children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

On the morning of Thursday, July 20, 2023, Wessie quit this busy walk of life to join the great cloud of witnesses in Heaven. Her legacy of faith in Christ, mission work and love will continue to be a cornerstone to her daughters and all that knew her.

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