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Submitted: 12/29/12 • Approved: 11/27/20 • Last Updated: 11/30/20 • R802188-G802187-S3
Bryce 22 May 1922 - 17 Apr 1996 veteran
Madge 23 May 1924 - 11 Apr 2010 obituary
Marriage: 02 Nov 1941 Wentachee, Chelan County, Washington
Bryce L Stephens the husband of Madge (Tate) Stephens*. Madge (Tate) Stephens daughter of Burton Michael Tate and Della Gertrude (O'Neal) Tate.
MADGE TATE STEPHENS, daughter of the late Burton Michael Tate and Della Gertrude O'Neal, was born May 23, 1924 in Lunenburg, Arkansas. She departed this life on April 11, 2010 at her home in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 19 days.
She graduated from LaPorte High School in LaPorte, Indiana.
She was united in marriage to Bryce L. Stephens on November 2, 1941 Wentachee, Washington.
She spent her life as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and homemaker. During her working years she was a certified cosmetologist, operating her own business. She joined her husband in their construction business as office manager. Upon returning to Melbourne, Arkansas, she owned and operated Little People Day Care in Melbourne for more than 12 years. At retirement she devoted her energies in participation with the Order of the Eastern Star, Daughter of the Confederacy, Arkansas Historical Society, and the local election board. She was recognized as a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and has served the Order in multiple Grand Appointments. She was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Melbourne First Baptist Church.
She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law: David and Linda Stephens of Galveston, Texas; two daughters and two sons-in-law: Julia and Roger Sweny of Houston, Texas and Michelle and Eddie Howard of Melbourne; one brother: Vance Tate and Anita Smith of Melbourne; one sister: Diane Kent and Scott McCallister of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren: Shannon Farrar and husband Kendall of Houston, Texas, Sarah Sweny Smith and husband Alexander of Dallas, Texas, Stephen Sweny and wife Kellen of Lubbock, Texas, Tyler Howard and Audrey Howard both of Melbourne; two great grandchildren: Tiffany New and Brandon Farrar of Houston, Texas; one sister-in-law: Jeane Tate of Melbourne; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and many cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 54 years, Bryce Stephens, one brother: Rex Tate; one sister: Faye Smith and one niece: Tammy Tate Lawrence.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Melbourne, Arkansas.
Burial will be at Lunenburg Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.
Original obituary provided through Eddie's Funeral Home Melbourne, Izard County, Arkansas.© 2018 Legacy.com. All rights reserved. This obituary provided through the archives of The Houston Chronicle Houston, Texas published 19 Apr 2010.
*See Veteran Memorial
Photo provided courtesy of Clint Harris ch63@live.com
Contributed on 12/29/12 by sandhollow
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Record #: 802188