Stephens, Lawrence (Ralph)

Lawrence (Ralph) Stephens, 77, of the Green Valley Community at Eggleston, departed this life Friday, August 8, 2008, at his home. Born in Green Valley on December 13, 1930 he was a son of the late William Robert and Georgia Anna Jackson Stephens.

Ralph was retired from the Celanese Plant after 42 years of service, was a member of Green Valley United Methodist Church, was the unofficial “Mayor” of Green Valley, and was a 1948 graduate of Eggleston High School. He never met a stranger that did not soon become a friend. He will be greatly missed by the whole community.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cathy Stephens Hodges, two sisters Nannie S. Sadler and Dorothy Stephens, and two brothers Paul Stephens and Clyde Stephens.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 59 years, Mildred Tabor Stephens; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Donya Stephens, of Riner; a daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Will Vest, of Pembroke; seven grandchildren, Samantha Vest Worley, David Stephens, Sarah Vest Hylton, Marjorie Vest Shepherd, Krystal Stephens, Matthew Hodges, and Samuel Hodges; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Elmer Stephens, of Hampton.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. in the Kendall Funeral Home at 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke, with Pastor Ronnie Duncan and Pastor Shahn Wilburn officiating. Burial following in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.