Ima Stephens

Funeral services for Ima Hayes Stephens, age 84, formerly of Hopkins County, have been set for 1:00PM, Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Tapp Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Lewis officiating. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park with family members serving as pallbearers. No formal visitation has been arranged.

Ima Stephens died in Angleton, Texas on Monday evening March 5, 2012 at 7:45pm.


She was born in Groveton, Texas on May 27, 1927 to John Wesley Hayes and Jessie Mae Norsworthy. She was the oldest of seven sisters and a lot of responsibilities fell on her shoulders at an early age. She met these with great determination and fortitude throughout her life.


Ima was a waitress in her teen years and later learned to make wonderful pastries at a Hotel in Lufkin. Also a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell in Lufkin and Houston.


Ima married Murray Stephens on June 27, 1953 in Baytown, Texas. After marriage she continued working and was a supervisor for General Telephone in Trinity, Texas for many years. She and Murray had one daughter, Margaret Rose, who was the light of their lives. They were all active members of First Baptist church of Sulphur Springs and Ima was a faithful worker there. Serving as secretary for then Pastor Charles Killough, librarian, cooked for the Wednesday night meals for a number of years, secretary for Mary Koon's 3rd grade class for 26 years and a loving babysitter for several families. Jana Dewitt, Karmin Holland, Sheila Koon, Cynthia and Jimmy Harris and many others. It was a family thing. Murray, Ima and Margaret loved these children like they were their own. She also was an accomplished seamstress.


Ima was preceded in death by her daughter Margaret Rose Stephens on November 14, 2000 and her husband Murray Stephens on September 5, 2001, her father J.W. Hayes on May 28,1982, mother Jessie M. Hayes on December 27, 1999, sister Selma Mott on May 15, 2010. Two brother-in-laws, one niece and two nephews.


Ima is survived by five remaining sisters. Pauline Fussell of Lufkin, Kathrine White of Houston, Johnnie Barrilleaux and husband Stanley of Houston, Billie Fontenot and husband Dannis of Angleton, Linda Patton and husband Mabry of Lufkin, and brother-in-law L. J. Mott of Richmond, Texas. Also, numerous nieces and nephews.


The Murray Stephens family is now re-united in God's presence.