Joseph "Joe" Edward Stephens

Joseph “Joe” Edward Stephens, 76, of Centralia, went to live with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 4, 2013 with his loving, devoted sister Barbara Sue Alli by his side while holding the hand of his precious niece Brittany Miller. Joe was born January 10, 1937, son of Edward Monroe Stephens and Elizabeth (Gipson) Faudree. He is survived by three daughters: Theresa Martin and husband Harold of Vilonia, Arkansas, JoAnna Stephens of Belleville and Tammy Lewin and husband Terry of Shiloh; four grandchildren: Jamie Martin of Dallas, Texas, Erin Martin Terrell and husband Jordan of Dallas, Texas, Marcus D’Addio of St. Ann, Missouri, Derek Santanello of Shiloh and Nathan Lewin of Shiloh; two great-grandchildren: Azlyn and Elina; three sisters: Barbara Sue Alli of Centralia, Allison Mann of Centralia and Melissa Vowell and husband Brian of Odin; two brother-in-laws: Loren Verble of Centralia and Sandy Robnett of Centralia; an aunt, Shirley Bassler and an uncle, Goble Gibson and wife Jewel. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Sharon Kay Robnett, Cheryl Ann Verble and Linda Faye Stephens; two brother-in-laws: Sam Alli and Michael Mann; a brother, Ricky John Stephens and a nephew, David Allen Miller. Joe was in the Iron Workers Local 392 of East St. Louis from 1960 – 1992. He was a very proud member of Local 392 for 32 years. He was baptized in the Methodist Faith by Rev. Phil Poe. Joe enjoyed dancing and watching Elvis Presley movies. He loved life and loved to “get up and go”, making his rounds to visit dear family and friends. Joe adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always spoke of how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. He always had hugs and kisses for everyone. Funeral Services for Joseph Edward Stephens will be held Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Sam Alli speaking. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Joseph "Joe" Edward Stephens

January 10, 1937 - May 4, 2013