Velma Stephens

Velma (Brown) Stephens was born December 6, 1930 to the late Orange Brown and Mossie Lee Johnson in Magnolia, Arkansas.
She was married to Willie Stephens (who preceded her in death) for 41 years. They moved to Wilmington, California in 1951 to pursue a better life for their family.

She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Mark Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas. She was an active member at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Wilmington, California.

Velma worked at Bay Harbor and St. Michael's Hospitals. She was an active member of her children's PTA.

Velma was a compassionate, caring and family oriented woman. She was a loving mother, grandmother, a special sister and nurturing daughter. She knew no strangers. She had a king heart and opened her home to many. She was a great cook and was famous for preparing meals, Sunday and Holiday dinners and backyard barbeques. She wanted to feed the world. Velma had a smile that radiated amongst others. Her loving spirit and calm demeanor attracted many to her. She was loved by many.

She departed this life to be with the Lord on January 24, 2012. She leaves to cherish her memory a sister, Mattie Renfroe (Roosevelt- deceased), Wilmington CA; a brother, Donald Brown, Michigan; two sons; Robert Stephens (Peggy); Willie Arthur Stephens; three daughters; Tina (Earnestine) Jackson; Renee (James Jr.) Bennett; Diana Lanier (Julius- deceased). She leaves 13 grandchildren; Chaunte' Brown, Jesse Jackson II; Kamari Palmer; Jmari Palmer; James Bennett Jr; Jasmine Bennett; Robert Stephens II; Erin Stephens; Jeanette Stephens; Willie Stephens; Eddie, Jasmine and Magic Lanier; 8 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, church family and friends. Also, Alvin Johnson preceded her in death.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275