Joe Stephens

  Joe Stephens passed peacefully from this life on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the age of 78. 

  Born January 4, 1947, in Marshall, Texas, to Joseph Tucker and Willie Mae Stephens, Joe grew up in Elysian Fields, Texas, where he received his education at Booker T. Washington High School (Elysian Fields Independent School District). 

  After high school, he moved to Dallas and joined the Job Corps, which eventually led him to enlist in the United States Army. Joe served honorably during the Vietnam conflict, achieving the rank of E6 Specialist. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, a Letter of Commendation, and the Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle), and received an honorable discharge on July 9, 1973. 

  Following his military service, Joe built a successful 35-year career as a truck driver for Tom Thumb, earning numerous awards for safety, attendance, and excellence. He was a dedicated and dependable worker, respected by colleagues for his strong work ethic and reliability. 

  Joe was self-taught in many areas of life and gifted with his hands, especially in woodworking. He loved country living and held a special place in his heart for his hometown of Elysian Fields. Joe enjoyed cooking, camping, traveling, socializing, and above all, spending time with family, friends, and his cherished pets, Pepper and Cash (who often got spoiled with table food despite the rules). 

  A man of faith, Joe was baptized at an early age at Strickland Springs Baptist Church in Waskom, Texas. He was known for his big personality - funny, serious, and always honest. If you met Joe once, you never forgot him. He was the kind of friend who would speak the truth, even if it was hard to hear, and you always knew it came from a place of love. 

  Joe was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Erica Stevens; brother, Herbert Stephens; sister, Beatrice Pannia; and brother-in-law, Jim Norman. 

  He is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Darlene Cherry; his children, Teresa Love Washington (Marcus) of Balch Springs, Texas; Joann Stevens of Garland, Texas; Tucker Stephens of Dallas; and stepdaughter, Stephanie Cherry of Azle, Texas. He is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Erica Felicity Jones of Garland and Dominique Cornelius of Balch Springs; sisters, Willie (Jim) Norman of Rowlett, Texas; Cassandra Gail (Nathaniel) Caro of Forney, Texas; and Racheall (Sherman) Petite of Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Margaret Stephens of San Francisco, California; special aunt, Una Grace Pittman of Forney, Texas; and a host of extended family and dear friends. 

  Joe Stephens will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. 

  A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, 913 North Elm Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086.  https://www.galbreaithpickard.com