Retired First SGT Author Stephens Sr.

Author Lee (Tut) Stephens was born to the late Jack and Mary Lois Stephens on October 4, 1945 in Panama City, Florida. He professed Christ at an early age, while attending Macedonia. Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized. Author graduated from Rosenwald High, c/o 1965, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Long. They later married on January 6,1966 and remained in Holy wedlock for 47 years prior to her death on February 4, 2013, two children were born to this union.
Author joined the military shortly after graduation and served his country with pride. He was a no-nonsense soldier and decorated leader. He retired as a First Sergeant in the Army at Ft. Rucker, AL after 22 years of service. While stationed there, he made Daleville, Alabama his home. Author also worked and retired from General Electric in Dothan, AL.   He joined and served as a Trustee and Treasurer at Summerhill Missionary Baptist Church in Daleville. He enjoyed attending service. After the death of his longtime wife Juanita, Author met and married Elouise Johnson from Powder Springs, Georgia.  
Author was preceded in death by his sister, Annie Laura McDowell of Snead, FL, and brother Eddie Stephens, of Lynnhaven, FL. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving daughter, Melissa Menders, Madison, AL, Tawana Weems, (Antonio) of Powder Springs, GA, and Melonie Nealy (Marvin Tukes), Gainesville, FL. two sons, Author Stephens, Jr. (LaToya) of Madison AL, and Antonio White (DeeCarol), of GA.  Seven grandchildren, Corey and Corohn Washington of Madison, AL, Christen Wilson of Madison, AL., Domenica and Domani Weems of Spring Mountain GA, and Kennedi and Kassidy White of Ga.  Brothers:  James L. Stephens (Lolita), and Willie James Stephens (Pandora Brown), both of Panama City, FL. Nephew: John McDowell Stephens, (Mary), Three sisters-in-law, Francis Stephens, CA, Zenobia Williams, Columbia, SC and Elease Barkley, Philadelphia, PA, two brothers-in-law, William Henry Long, Jr of Charleston, SC and Cesar (Bobby) Long (Angeline) of Marianna, FL. Special friend, Phillip Bonner, Atlanta, GA,  Special nephew: Kiley Marco Williams of Columbia, SC, Special niece, Sandra D. Barkley Love of Chesapeake, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. 
The family would also like to give a special thank you to Author’s hairstylist, Eric Holloway. And a very special shout out to his ride or die buddy, Deacon Jerome Perkins.

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