America Mildred Stephenson

America Mildred Stephenson, 87, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2012 in Kingwood, Texas. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Allen Roy Stephenson, of Vidor; daughter Cheryl Bacon Weathersby of Lakeland, Florida; daughter Brenda Bacon Blanchard and her husband, Gerald of North Port, Florida; son Charles Stephenson and his wife Phyllis of Lumberton; daughter Sunny Stephenson Hopper and her husband, Tommy of Kingwood, along with 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her brother Arthur Paul Amonette and her grandson, Christopher Lynn Wedge. Mildred was born in Fort Worth, Texas on October 1, 1924. Having spent her childhood years in Galveston and Beaumont, her family moved to Vidor in 1939. A member of First Baptist Church, Vidor, over the years she served as a Sunday School teacher, assisted in Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir and participated in the Senior Adult Ministry. She was an exceptional cook, seamstress and gardener. With all of her interests, Mildred was most devoted to her Lord Jesus, family and friends. They were her cornerstone, and everyone she has touched recalls her rare ability to love and to nurture. She was unequaled in her compassion, tenderness and willingness to forgive. She maintained her grace and her sweet disposition through a lifetime of challenges, including dementia in her final years. And while her family and friends rejoice in the assurance of her eternal salvation, she will be deeply missed by the many who loved her. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at Vidor Memorial Funeral Home from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Vidor on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., with her grandsons serving as pall bearers.