Joy Stephens

Joy Fern Stephens, 79, Sapulpa, Oklahoma resident, died Saturday, June 7, 2014 at St. John’s Medical Center, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Joy was born July 2, 1934 in Bowlegs, Oklahoma to Maidie (Collier) and Eugene  Northcott. Joy grew up in the Bowlegs, Oklahoma area and attended Bowlegs Public Schools. She graduated from Bowlegs High School in 1952 as Valedictorian of her class. Joy moved from the Bowlegs area shortly after high school. She later married Michael Perry Stephens, on May 2, 1962 in Gainesville, Texas.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma where she was a member of the friendship class. She was a homemaker and lovingly took care of her family. Joy was a volunteer for the Creek County Election Board where she spent several years counting votes and helping with election results. She was also a member of the Ithana Club while living in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Joy lived up to her name, she always made sure she brought joy to others and made sure all their needs were met. She loved her children and her grandchildren, she loved baking for her family and Sunday school class, home decorating and reading. Joy is survived by her loving husband Michael P. Stephens of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, a son David Perry Stephens and his wife Tina of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two daughters Kimberly Renee Harrison and her husband Andy of Piedmont, Oklahoma and Tara Lynn Vanarsdel and her husband Scott of Owasso, Oklahoma; two sisters Norma Jean Rice of Azle, Texas and Pat Ward of Ada, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her grandchildren that she loved very much; Ted Harrison, Caleb Harrison, Victoria Harrison, Cathryn Vanarsdel, Cara Vanarsdel, Cami Vanarsdel, Truman Stephens and Calvin Stephens. She was preceded in death by her parents and eight brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma with Andy Harrison officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma. Casket bearers will be David Stephens, Andy Harrison, Caleb Harrison, Scott Vanarsdel, Ted Harrison, Truman Stephens Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: June 11, 2014, 10:00 AM First Baptist Church located at 200 S. Elm Street, Sapulpa, OK 74066