Margaret Ann Stephens

Margaret Ann Stephens, affectionately known as Margaret, Mom, Mamaw & MeMe, passed away peacefully at her home on August 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Margaret was born on December 3, 1944 in Natchez, MS. Married to Richard Stephens on August 10, 1962, 

Margaret enjoyed an enduring marriage of 63 years. Their love was an inspiring testament to commitment and devotion. She was a proud mother to her three children, Michael, Mitchell, and Robin.

 As a mother, Margaret demonstrated boundless love and care, embodying the heart of a nurturing parent who instilled strong values and unconditional love in her children. 

Margaret was a caregiver from a very early age helping her mother care for her sister and brother. As a young adult she helped care for her nephew, Bryan, who affectionally referred to her as “MeMe”.

 After moving to Florence in 1985, she devoted 20 years of service in the Rankin County School District where she served as a teacher's assistant, librarian, and secretary at Florence Elementary. She is well-known for her commitment to nurturing and loving on all children with compassion, humor, and creativity. 

After retirement, she cherished the opportunity to care for and help raise all of her grandchildren. She was affectionately known by her grandchildren as “Mamaw”.

 In her later years, Margaret took great pleasure in building a small wildlife sanctuary outside her bedroom window where she watched hummingbirds, squirrels, and a woodpecker frequent the feeders she had set up to provide them with nectar, birdseed, and a fresh water bath. This simple hobby brought her much joy and tranquility, which allowed her to continue expressing her caring nature. 

Margaret is survived by her husband Richard Stephens of Florence, MS, her children; Michael (Michelle) Stephens of Florence, MS, Robin (Brian) Shannon of Florence, MS, her brother; Bill Evans of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and her sister; Connie Evans of Richland, Mississippi. Grandchildren: Michael Stephens Jr., Evan Russum, Aiden Russum, Owen Russum, Elijah Slay, Andrew Slay, Wes Shannon and Matthew Shannon. Great Granddaughter Rhiannon Stephens and Nephews Bryan (Pam) McClain and Drew Evans. 

She was preceded in death by her parents William Evans and Ann Russell Evans and her son Mitchell Alan Stephens. 

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on September 4, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, Mississippi. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM, with a graveside service at the Garden of Memories immediately following. 

Margaret Ann Stephens will be deeply missed by all who knew her and remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family