On October 9, we said a tender farewell to Norma “Jean” Stephens, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Fondly known as Jean, Mom, and Mamagran, she passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of love and generosity.
Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, at the Methodist Church of Mountainair New Mexico.
Born on January 24, 1931, in Mountainair, Jean’s spirit was shaped by the rugged beauty of her hometown. Jean was as resilient and beautiful as the land that shaped her. She spent her entire life in Mountainair, contributing to her community and touching the lives of everyone around her. As a dedicated van driver for senior citizens in the State of New Mexico, she was a beacon of support and care, ensuring that the seniors in her charge reached their destinations safely. Her spirit of service continued long after her professional career ended.
Jean married her beloved husband, Billie Stephens, on June 5, 1948, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to their family. Her strength, generosity, and endless love for those around her were the hallmarks of her life. We will forever remember Jean for her infectious love of life and her dedication to those she held dear.
In addition to her family and community, Jean had many talents and passions. She was a nationally recognized shuffleboard player, winning multiple state championships and participated in the Senior Olympics until she was 92 years of age. Her competitive spirit extended to other hobbies as well. She enjoyed gardening, playing marbles and dominoes, and in the earlier years of her marriage, dancing with Billie. Jean was also known for her baking, her keen sense of cleanliness, and her joy in shopping for her grandchildren.
Jean’s home was a warm and welcoming haven for family and friends. She loved hosting gatherings and sharing the history of Mountainair and its residents of past and present, a subject she knew intimately. One of her favorite pastimes was bird-watching from the porch of her Mountainair home and then later her Amarillo home, where she cherished the 10 birdhouses gifted to her by her great-grandchildren-Jaemon, Jaylen, Ethan, Trevin, Cerice, Roscidion, Javion, Sway, Cevyn and Jaidissson on her 90th birthday. These moments were filled with the kind of joy and love that defined Jean’s life.
Jean’s love for her community was only surpassed by her love for her family. She is survived by her son Curtis (Celina) Stephens; her grandchildren Jentry (Sedrick) Knowlton, Jenice (Frederick) Osborne, Jason (Jacqueline) Stephens, and Jared (Stefanie) Stephens; her brother Jr (Phylis) Kubena; and her many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Cordelia Kubena; her husband, Billie Stephens; and her siblings, Jim Allen, Bob Allen, and Mary Lou Caster.
Jean’s exceptional life and generous spirit will forever be a source of inspiration to all who knew her. We invite everyone to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a testament to the remarkable life Jean led and the enduring legacy of love she leaves behind.