Eva Lois (Locke) Stephens' Obituary
Eva Lois (Locke) Stephens, age 99, left our world peacefully from her home in Cottontown, Tennessee on March 26, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born on March 7, 1925, in Nashville, she was the youngest daughter of William Culley (WC) and Nora Locke. Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Mason Stephens, her sister, Virginia Locke Frey and parent’s WC and Nora Locke.
Lois attended Stratton Elementary and Goodlettsville High School. She married Robert in Franklin, Kentucky on July 5, 1943, and started married life in Madison, Tennessee. In 1963 Lois and Robert built a new home and moved to the farm in Cottontown which her parents had purchased a few years before.
Lois leaves behind her three children Gale Stephens York (Larry); Carol Stephens Sanders (Ronnie); Mike Stephens (Susan). Lois and Robert were grandparents to 6 grandchildren: Dawn Kensky, Kevin Sanders, Karey Sanders, Kelly Smelcer, Robbie Stephens, Todd Stephens; 13 great grandchildren; and 6 great-great grandchildren. Many of Lois’ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have chosen to build their homes and reside on what is now known as Locke Springs Farm.
Lois’ gift was caregiving. When her youngest child started school, Lois took a job in the cafeteria of her son’s school to watch over him. She remained as manager until her youngest grandchild moved to middle school in 1989. With her grandchildren growing up around her, she was instrumental in their care. Lois helped her mother care for her father until his death from cancer. She managed her husband care and took care of him through his two-year losing fight with cancer. Immediately upon losing Robert, Lois moved her aging mother into her home and cared for her during her final years.
Lois loved her family and her Lord. She was a member and Sunday School teacher at White House Church of Christ where she attended for many years until she was no longer physically able. Lois lived an admirable 99 years and played an invaluable role in shaping the lives of her family. She is lovingly remembered among her grandchildren for her warm fried apricot pies, for the head scarves she insisted they wear whenever outside on a cool or windy day-boys included, and in her final years her songs she sang of her love for Jesus, deftly filling in when lyrics escaped her 90+ year old mind. Lois is deeply missed however, warm, loving memories of Lois, Mother, and Mama Lois remain in our hearts.
The family cordially invites relatives and friends to visit on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from four o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road in Nashville. The funeral will be held the following day, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at two o'clock in the afternoon with visitation two hours prior starting at twelve o'clock noon also at the funeral home. The committal service will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alive Hospice.
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