Thelma Louise (Payne) Stephens

Thelma Louise Stephens, 91, of Boonville, Mo passed away peacefully Thursday, August 1,
2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Louise was born July 31, 1933, in rural Sikeston, Mo, the last of eight children to John Wesley
Payne and Lola Madeline Flanigan Payne.
On March 8, 1952, Louise married David E. Stephens in New Madrid County, Mo and became
an Army wife. She followed David wherever he was stationed, such as Ft. Campbell in
Kentucky, Augsburg Germany, Ft. Benning in Georgia and Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indiana.
During David’s deployment to Vietnam Louise managed, supported and cared for their family.
Their last assignment was to Kemper Military School in Boonville, Mo. They decided to make
Boonville their home.. There they raised their family while David worked for Farmers Insurance.
After settling in Boonville, they found Santa Fe Trail Baptist Church and felt right at home.
Faith and family stayed at the center of their marriage and Louise treasured these years.
When David retired, the two spent a number of years traveling. They eventually made their way
to all fifty states and much of the rest of the world, visiting Europe, the Orient and Australia.
During this special time they shared many wonderful adventures.
Louise was preceded in death by her son, David E. Stephens II, her grandson Jeremy Wolfe, her
siblings and her parents, John and Lola Payne.
Survivors include her husband, David Stephens; daughter, Debra (Roger) Yokley; daughter-in-
law, Jonet Stephens Jackson; daughter, Judy (Jerry) Wolfe; son, John (Joy) Stephens; 14
grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 7 great great-grandchildren as well as extended family
and many close friends.
Services celebrating Louise’s life will be held at the Santa Fe Trail Baptist Church in Boonville
on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetary in
Boonville, MO. Visitation will be held at Howard Funeral Home from 5:00 -7:00 pm on
Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Santa Fe Trail Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left at: www.howardfh.com

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