Charlie Stephens

Charles Ernest “Charlie” Stephens, 90, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016, in Abilene, Texas. The daughter of Matabel (Human) and Charles Ernest Russell, she was born on August 15, 1925, in Mart, Texas. Charlie married Harrell E. “Steve” Stephens, Sr. on July 31, 1949, in Knox City, Texas. As a member of the Cadet Nurse Corps during the 1940’s, she received her nursing degree at UT-Galveston. A registered nurse, she worked at Hendrick Medical Center for 34 years serving as a staff nurse, supervisor, teacher in the LVN School of Nursing, Director of In-Service Education and as a member of the IV Team. She was dedicated to her trade and loved helping people. Charlie was a loyal member of St. James United Methodist Church for 50 years. She was also an active member of United Methodist Women. In the mid 70’s, she was asked to serve as interim Sunday School teacher for the Candlelighters class until they could find a permanent teacher. Twenty-seven years later, the church finally found that permanent teacher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve, in 1977; her parents; and two sisters, Matamay Kennedy and Thenderia Roberson. Survivors include her daughter, Dara Rhodes and husband Richard of Abilene, and two sons, Harrell E. “Steve” Stephens, Jr. and wife Leesa of Amarillo, TX, and Brent Stephens and wife Christie of Abilene. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Allison Rhodes of Keller, TX, Jon Rhodes and wife Angie of Flower Mound, TX, Hanna Patton-Elliott and husband Larry of Corpus Christi, TX, Trey Stephens of New Orleans, LA, and Dustin Stephens of New York, NY; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bobbie Smith of Santa Fe, NM. Visitation will be 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 24, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. A “Celebration of Her Life” will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 25, at St. James United Methodist Church in Abilene with Rev. Jeanie Williams officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 3100 Barrow Street, Abilene, TX 79605.