Wanda Kay Stephens

Wanda Stephens was a beloved wife, Sister, Mom, and Grandmommie, during her incredible 77 years of life. She passed away peacefully in the early hours of  March 4, 2022, at her home in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas.

A compassionate soul who loved to share the spirit of God,  Wanda was born Wanda Kay Lefler on February 20, 1945 in Dallas, TX.  Her passion for Christ led her to a lifetime of education and helping others. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education from  Dallas Baptist University in 1984, Wanda taught thousands of young people, passing on her love for math in creative and fun ways. She later earned a Masters of Education  from the University of North Texas and continued to challenge her students to “work the problem, no matter how big or small” until retiring in 2014.

Wanda married her highschool sweetheart, B.J. "Mike" Stephens on November 2, 1963. Inseparable from the moment they laid eyes on each other, Mike and Wanda traveled the world, ran marathons, and uplifted their community together for 58 wonderful years of marriage. Their marriage produced two beautiful children, Jeremy and Shelly, who share their mother’s gift of education.

 In her later years, Wanda flourished in her volunteer work as the Choir Director and Religious Education Director for  Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas. Her beautiful soprano voice uplifted those around her and her talents brought joy to the children she helped guide on their walk with Christ.

Wanda’s unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father, is the foundation upon which she has built her life. She loved to entertain, congregate, celebrate, and support others. Her greatest gift, however, was in her discipleship and the many friends and family who came to know God’s Divine Mercy through knowing Wanda. Many called her, "An Angel Walking the Earth." Her family will miss her astounding, loving, and simple presence in their lives but rejoice in knowing she is at peace and resting as the good and faithful servant she was.  

   Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Stanley Lefler, Voundy Lefler, and Eugene Lefler. Surviving family includes her loving husband, Mike Stephens; son, Jeremy Stephens and his wife Juanita of Lewisville, Texas; daughter, Shelly Pollard and her husband Jeremy of Tyler, Texas; sister, Walta Evans of Denton, Texas; grandchildren, Sarah Trocolli, Joseph Stephens, Jacob Stephens, Michael Trocolli, II, and Jordyn Pollard, along with many other relatives and friends.

Wanda battled with Metastatic Breast Cancer to the bones for seven years before passing away peacefully. If you would prefer to make a donation in Wanda’s honor, please contact Holy Spirit Catholic Church or the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

   The Stephens family will receive friends at Lowe- Gardner Funeral Home 1102 E. Goode Street in Quitman, Texas Monday, March 7th from 6-8 PM. At 9:30 AM on Tuesday March 8^th, 2022, the Knights of Columbus will lead a Rosary before the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1612 FM2869, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765. Following the service, a reception will be held in the St. Jude Hall.