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Those we love must someday pass
Beyond our pfOkent sight. . .
Must leave'us and the world we know
Without their radiant light.
But jve know that like candle
There lovely light will shine
To brighten up another place
Wloirg perfect. . .more divine,
find in the realm of Heaven
Where they shine so warm and bright.
Our Mother lives forevermore /
\ In fad's eternal light. /
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We acknowledgement with deep appeciation the many acts
of comfort shown to us during the loss or our love one.
Your heartfelt sympathy, kind deed, words, and prayers
gave us strength at our gretest time of need. With thankful
hearts, we pray God's riches blessing upon each of you.
The Family
Professional Services Entrusted To:
Q. . IBdgfithwtp <C Sows
Aiken, South Carolina
803-648-0134
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Processional
Congregational Hymn..........Friendship Baptist Church Choir
What a Mighty God We Serve
Scriptures:
Old Testament.................Reverend George L. Brightharp
23 Psalm
New Testament...............Revrend Bruce Stephens, Nephew
John 14: 1-6
Prayer of Comfort..................Reverend Nathaniel Irvin
Selection..............................................JOY
Total Praise
Reflections
(Less than 2 minutes please)
~ Mr. Andrew Bouknight - Family Friend -~
~ Mrs. Jacqueline Martin - Eldest Grandchild ~
Anecdotes
(Less than 4 minutes please)
~ Mr. Augustus T. Stephens - Eldest Son ~
Acknowledgements...........................Ms. Loretta Bush
Selection....................Friendship Baptist Church Choir
Eulogy.......................Reverend T. C. Edwards, Pastor
Friendship Baptist Church
Recessional
Interment..........................Sunset Memorial Gardens
Augusta Highway (U.S.#1)
Graniteville, SC (Approx. 11 miles)
Repast
Friendship Baptist Church Activity Building
Sleflectiom
Eunice Sherard Stephens was born in Iva, South Carolina on June 28, 1910. She admitted to being
spoiled rotten as a child, and having a pretty easy time of it on a huge farm that was known for hard
work. She was the youngest, and until her death, the last living sibling of ten children born to John Grant
Sherard and reared by her mother, Martha Harrison Sherard.
After primary school, Mrs. Stephens matriculated at Morris College in Sumter, SC to complete her high school education.
Her uncle, Dr. J.J. Starks, was then president of Morris College. After her junior year, Dr. Starks was named the first Black
president of Benedict College in Columbia, SC, and she transferred to Benedict College, where she completed both high
school and college. She often expressed that, in 1935, there were three major occurrences in her life: (1) She graduated from
Benedict College; (2) married Rev. Augustus T. Stephens; and (3) got her first job as a teacher at Old Storm Branch
Academy in Aiken County, where Augustus (A.T.) had been named headmaster. Mrs. Stephens later earned a masters degree
of education from South Carolina State College in 1964.
The family moved to Laurens, SC in 1945, where Mrs. Stephens taught first grade in rural Laurens County. When she
became pregnant with her fourth child, she had to leave teaching because pregnant women were not allowed to teach. Mrs.
Stephens then opened and operated one of the first preschool for Black children in the state of South Carolina. In 1956, the
family returned to Aiken County, where Mrs. Stephens taught first grade at Jefferson Elementary School and, later, at Byrd
Elementary in Graniteville, SC. She also voluntarily taught reading to adults in the community who were illiterate. Her
teaching career spanned 40 years. After retiring from teaching, Mrs. Stephens opened Stephens Flowers & Gift Shop, a
full-service florist shop on Hampton Avenue in Aiken, SC. She operated the florist shop for more than 20 years. She loved to
travel, and traveled to Hawaii in 2007, and to Jamaica in 2008 at the age of 98.
Mrs. Stephens was a faithful financial contributor to both Morris College and Benedict College. At the time of her death,
she was the eldest living graduate of Benedict College.
She was a member of the National Education Association, South Carolina Education Association, and the Palmetto
Education Association. She was also affiliated with the Silver Circle of the Kings Daughters and the Order of the Eastern
Star.
Mrs. Stephens was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Rev. A.T. Stephens, Sr. She leaves many loving
memories with her family who celebrate her life, including her five children, Augustus T. (Doris) Stephens, Jr., Carolyn
Stephens Paige, Lemeul Cecil (Daisy) Stephens, Julius A. Stephens, DDS, and Vivian Deborah Stephens Davis, her eleven
grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.