Mrs. Rutha Mae Stephens

Mrs. Rutha Mae Stephens, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Smith Medical Nursing Center. Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Oak Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Rufus Copeland officiating.

She attended school in Washington County. She joined Oak Grove Baptist Church at an early age where she was a faithful member. Rutha was on the usher board, served as church secretary, and mother of the church until her health failed. She enjoyed visiting other churches and meeting new people that shared similar interest in the Lord. She was very dedicated to her family and to serving God.

Rutha was called “Rutha Mae” by her family and friends. She worked as a housekeeper until she retired. She had many hobbies which included fishing at the creek and tending to her many gardens and crops ranging from corn, tomatoes, collards, peas, squash and sweet potatoes. Rutha also raised chicken and hogs. She drew well water from natural springs located below her log cabin. She enjoyed cooking special dishes for family and friends from all the livestock she raised and the vegetables she grew.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Mr. Clarence Stephens, grandson: Mr. Calvin Brown Carswell, two sisters and four brothers

Mrs. Stephens is survived by her daughter: Mrs. Willie Mae Ketchen, Newark, New Jersey; grandson: Mr. Derrick T. Ketchen, Newark, New Jersey; devoted niece: Ms. Louise Brown, Sandersville, Georgia; five nieces: Ms. Lizzie Mae McClin, Mrs. Louise (Tommy Lee) Brown, Mrs. Jennie Mae (Otis) Taylor, Ms. Carolyn Brown, Sandersville, Georgia, Mrs. Perry Lee (Thomas) Edmond, Dublin, Georgia; three nephews: Mr. George (Alberta) Brown, Mr. John Willie Brown, Sr., Sandersville, Georgia, Mr. Julius Brown, Jr., Oconee, Georgia; devoted friends: Ms. Louise Watts, Ms. Sally Bridges, Sandersville, Georgia. Several other relatives and friends. M.C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.