Elizabeth Ann Stephens

Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Hendrix Stephens, 87, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, July 5, 2024.   She was born on June 27, 1937 in Savannah, GA.  Betty was the youngest daughter of the late Benjamin Atwood Hendrix, Jr. and Mary Thomas Hendrix Strickland. Betty was a proud descendent of the historic Salzburgers who settled in Ebenezer, GA in 1734. She attended the Salzburger Heritage Festival held every Labor Day with her family and friends.

Betty attended Commercial High School where she loved cheerleading for the Cobras. She graduated in 1955 and began working in the banking industry.

She first moved to Garden City in 1958 and then moved into her home on Azalea Avenue in 1961, where she proudly lived for 62 years.

Betty was generous, kind, and thoughtful of everyone around her and loved helping people. She was able to pursue her passion working in the medical field after her three children were in school. She worked for the American Red Cross where she traveled all over South Georgia.  She also worked with several doctor offices in the Savannah area.  Her most cherished job was working at The Westside Urban Health Clinic where she met some of her best lifelong friends. She also sold Avon from 1975 to 2022 to supplement her income and fulfill her desire to meet new people. Betty always had a smile on her face and loved to make everyone laugh.

Betty was a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church since 1957.  She loved the Lord with all her heart and served Him for 65 years through various ministries such as communion minister, greeting people, reading the scripture, singing in the choir, cleaning the grounds and rectory, as well as decorating the church for many religious holidays.  One of the highlights in her faith journey was going to Charleston, SC in March 2013 to see Pope Francis.

Spending time with her family at home was Betty's greatest joy in life. She will always be remembered for the wonderful dinners she cooked, extra special birthday celebrations, and decorating her home for every holiday season. Betty loved gardening and she always took pride in making sure her yard looked excellent all year long. She won yard of the month several times in Garden City.

Betty was also blessed to travel with family to numerous places away from home. She took vacations with her family to Tybee Island, Georgia; Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; Huntington Island State Park, South Carolina; Jacksonville & Orlando, Florida; Midland and Grand Rapids, Michigan; Moscow, Idaho; Whitefish, Montana; Dallas, Texas;  Normal, Illinois and San Diego, California.  She also took family cruises to Ocho Rios; Jamaica; Grand Cayman; Labadee, Haiti; and Cozumel Mexico.

Betty will be missed dearly by her family and friends. She truly was a gift from God as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was also a faithful friend to anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She led a life pleasing to God.

Betty is preceded in death by her great-grandchild,  Madison Danielle Griffin; her sister and best friend, Margaret Hendrix Daly; her mother, Mary Hendrix Strickland; her father, Benjamin Atwood Hendrix, Jr.

Surviving are her three children, Julie Stephens Andrews (James), Byron Anthony Stephens, Jr., and Daniel Joseph Stephens (Debra); 6 Grandchildren, Byron Anthony Stephens, III (Ashley),  Joni Danielle Griffin  (Jason), Brian McKinley Andrews (Amanda),  Stephanie Elizabeth Andrews,  Dr. Daniel Joseph Stephens, II  (Kayla),  Ryan Andrew Stephens; 8 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held August 3, 2024 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Port Wentworth, GA.   Visitation with the family will be held in the Church from 10 to 11 am. Mass will follow immediately at 11 am.  She will be buried next to her mother at Jerusalem Lutheran Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff and friends at Legacy Savannah Quarters Assisted Living and Memory Care as well as Hospice Savannah for taking such great care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Port Wentworth, GA and/or the Jerusalem Lutheran Church (Cemetery Fund) 2966 Ebenezer Road, Rincon, GA 31326.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.