Reverend Bennie Stephens, Jr.

Reverend Bennie Stephens, Jr., son of the late Mr. Bennie Stephens, Sr. and the late Mrs. Rosia Lee Stephens, was born July 2, 1934, in Prosperity, South Carolina. He entered into the arms of Jesus on October 15, 2016, at Newberry County Memorial Hospital.

He was affectionately known as “Cooter” by family and friends and was called “Monk” by his lovely wife of 62 years, Mrs. Dora Mae Brown Stephens.

He attended the public schools of Newberry County and later retired from American Fiber and Finishing Company of Newberry, SC. He also was owner and operator of his business, Stephens and Sons Logging Company in Prosperity, SC.

Reverend Stephens was called into the ministry in 2000 as a faithful associate pastor of Antioch Baptist Church of Prosperity, SC, where he served as former Chairman of the Deacon Board, President of the Usher Board Choir (1976- 2012), organizer of the Male Chorus of 100 Men in Black, former head of Grave Committee, active member of the Sunday School and Missionary Society. He was the Chaplain and Co-founder of CPG Outreach Ministry of Newberry and Spartanburg County, former President of New Enoree Baptist Association Usher, Member of Men of Faith, member of Sons of Aid (Lodge #61), Former Quartet Singer of the Blue Stars of Newberry, SC, and former Quartet Singer of the JC Gray and Singing Sons, Prosperity, SC.

Reverend Stephens not only worked in the church, he also blessed the community with prayers and singing over 1000 funerals and special events including singing at the SC Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, SC representing his best friend, Dr. Oscar Lovelace (Doctors Association Conference). He also was a former member of the Fairview Fire Department Community Association.

Two sons, Clarence Stephens and James Willie Stephens; a daughter, Mrs. Shirley Jean Stephens Pitts; three sisters, Mrs. Hattie S. Delaney, Mrs. Julia S. Dickerson, and Mrs. Brenda Stephens; two brothers, Mr. James M. Stephens and Mr. Sellus Stevens; preceded him to Heaven.

Those who celebrate his life and cherish loving memories include his wife, Mrs. Dora Mae Brown Stephens; five sons, Elbert Stephens of Prosperity, SC, Jerry (Mary) Stephens of Monetta, SC, Olin and Ricky Todd Stephens of the home and Henry Stephens, Sr. (Rhonda) of Prosperity, SC; two daughters, Lorine F. Stephens (Anthony) and Cora Mae Stephens both of Prosperity, SC; one goddaughter, Willeette Bennett of Washington, DC; one godson, Rev. Paul Whitener of Maybinton, SC; one son-in-law, Mr. Raphord Pitts of Little Mountain, SC; eighteen grandchildren, including a devoted granddaughter, Minister Crystal Pitts Glenn (John) of Spartanburg, SC; a grandson reared in the home, Cortevis Stephens; 20 great-grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Rozell Lindsay of Columbia, SC; uncle, Thomas C. Davenport of Columbia, SC; two brothers-in-law, Odus Brown (Eva Mae) of Prosperity, SC, Ralph Brown of Newberry, SC; a sister-in-law, Mary Stephens of Prosperity, SC; devoted nieces, Martha Dozier of Batesburg, SC, Ella Mae Mitchell, Linda Bates, Matilda Lindler of Prosperity, SC; devoted nephew, Mr. Larry Stephens of Columbia, SC; three special friends, Dr. Oscar Lovelace (Lovelace Family Medical Center), Nancy Gause (Nurse), Daphne Frazier (Amedisyss Caregiver), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, ministers and other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

Funeral service and burial will be conducted 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Antioch Baptist Church in Prosperity, SC (viewing one hour prior to the service). 

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