NAHUNTA — Mrs. Mary Frances Stephens, 83, passed away Thursday morning, September 11, 2025 at Bayview Nursing Home in Nahunta after an extended illness.
Mrs. Stephens was born February 13, 1942 in Ware County to the late Frank Matthew Cowart, Sr. and Martha Mae Myers Cowart. She retired from Flash Foods as a store manager.
Mrs. Stephens enjoyed traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, playing bingo, and getting her hair and nails fixed. She also spent much of her life as a caregiver for family members.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Stephens was preceded in death by her husband, John Edward Stephens; and brothers, Frank M. Cowart, Jr. and Curtis Leon Cowart.
Survivors include her children, Wendell Carter (Yvonne) of Arizona, Lisa Carter (Matt) of Blackshear, Marsha Johns (Kenneth Cox) of Waycross, Elizabeth Thrift (Teddy) of Nahunta, Wesley Stephens (Michelle) of Garner, N.C., and Johnny Stephens of Florida; nine grandchildren, Amanda Carter, Jessica Carter, Meagan Hullander (Seth), Lawrence Johns, Lewis Johns, Leanna Mc-Cree (Evan), Lilly Thrift, Stella and Bella Stephens; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorialization is by cremation. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Enon Cemetery in Pierce County at a later date.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to her tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
