Two of Jerry's favorite sayings was "Shazaam!!" , and "What's a mother to do?"
Jerry was the first son and second child, born to Raymond and Marjorie (Kinsey) Stephens, in Kansas City, Missouri, where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1961. He then attended UTEP and Emporia State College, majoring in Spanish. Jerry worked as a bookkeeper for Kaw Roofing in Kansas City, Kansas for 29 years until retiring in 2009.
Jerry's early life was centered around a Christian family and attending church with his family to the small country churches each Sunday, where his father pastored at the Church of Christ congregations. His father also spent most of his vacations teaching Vacation Bible School at one of those locations. It was during this time that Jerry and the family had traveled much of Carroll County, giving Jerry opportunity to make friends that would turn into 'forever friends'. Those trips would include visits to relatives, not only in Carroll County, but Livingston County as well, and he particularly enjoyed spending time with his cousins. It was a treasure of new experiences, visiting 'the farm life'. In Jerry's later years, he remarked about having thoughts of a cabin in the woods in the 'Tater Hills' (in the Coloma, MO area), with just a dog and live closer to God. Those who knew him, would know, that should that have happened, he certainly would have missed having internet. Jerry was a night owl and loved staying up late, or all night, working on his family's history, making contributions to Findagrave, and volunteering to translate Missouri death certificates.
As an adult, and his growth in the Lord, he joined Fairmount Christian Church with Rev. David Plumbley as pastor. They became lifelong friends, and Rev. Plumbley officiated at Jerry's graveside services on October 19, 2022, on a cool, but sunny Wednesday afternoon. He mentioned that Jerry was always a witness for the Lord, and often asked "Are you Saved?". It was at the Fairmount Christian Church where Jerry played the organ, as well as filling in as a guest organist for several places. For many years, his home had either an organ or a piano in it. His love for music never faded and always enjoyed the talent of others who shared their gift as well.
Jerry and his former wife, Roxanna, had no children of their own, they loved and cared for over 20 foster children over many years. Even though they divorced, they remained friends.
Doing genealogy work, as mentioned above, was one of Jerry's passions. He wrote and produced a very large book on the Stephens family history and gave one to each family member. They were grateful for his efforts in this accomplishment, which was born from his caring and loving heart for family. He was very knowledgeable of cemeteries, along with country school locations, particularly in the Carroll County area. He had a vast collection of books and research papers pertaining to them. Jerry was a member of Findagrave for over 19 years. His contributions were valuable to others in their own quest to learn more of their ancestors. He was always willing to help in any way he could and gained many online friends from his works. In addition to his Findagrave passion, he was a longtime volunteer to transcribe death certificates for the State of Missouri. After a person has died, death certificates become public after 50 years, and volunteers are needed to transcribe them for publication each Spring. He looked forward to being a part of that group effort, which provides families an avenue to discover who their descendants are.
While dealing with poor health the last several years, Jerry's spirits remained high. With the help of his brother, Rex, and sister-in-law, Sondra, among other family members, he was able to remain in his home up until his last five months. During those last months, he was living in a care facility in Oak Grove, Missouri. His cell phone and computer were his lifelines and he so enjoyed keeping in touch with cousins and friends. Knowing he was going to be transferred to hospice care at St. Luke's East Medical Center, he began to make phone calls of goodbyes.
A man with a great sense of humor, a man of kindness, a tender-hearted man, and a man for a lifetime love of music, is how he'll be remembered.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Marjorie (Kinsey) Stephens; sister Gloria Richards and niece Donna Diffey. He is survived by his brother Rex and wife Sondra, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jerry was the first son and second child, born to Raymond and Marjorie (Kinsey) Stephens, in Kansas City, Missouri, where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1961. He then attended UTEP and Emporia State College, majoring in Spanish. Jerry worked as a bookkeeper for Kaw Roofing in Kansas City, Kansas for 29 years until retiring in 2009.
Jerry's early life was centered around a Christian family and attending church with his family to the small country churches each Sunday, where his father pastored at the Church of Christ congregations. His father also spent most of his vacations teaching Vacation Bible School at one of those locations. It was during this time that Jerry and the family had traveled much of Carroll County, giving Jerry opportunity to make friends that would turn into 'forever friends'. Those trips would include visits to relatives, not only in Carroll County, but Livingston County as well, and he particularly enjoyed spending time with his cousins. It was a treasure of new experiences, visiting 'the farm life'. In Jerry's later years, he remarked about having thoughts of a cabin in the woods in the 'Tater Hills' (in the Coloma, MO area), with just a dog and live closer to God. Those who knew him, would know, that should that have happened, he certainly would have missed having internet. Jerry was a night owl and loved staying up late, or all night, working on his family's history, making contributions to Findagrave, and volunteering to translate Missouri death certificates.
As an adult, and his growth in the Lord, he joined Fairmount Christian Church with Rev. David Plumbley as pastor. They became lifelong friends, and Rev. Plumbley officiated at Jerry's graveside services on October 19, 2022, on a cool, but sunny Wednesday afternoon. He mentioned that Jerry was always a witness for the Lord, and often asked "Are you Saved?". It was at the Fairmount Christian Church where Jerry played the organ, as well as filling in as a guest organist for several places. For many years, his home had either an organ or a piano in it. His love for music never faded and always enjoyed the talent of others who shared their gift as well.
Jerry and his former wife, Roxanna, had no children of their own, they loved and cared for over 20 foster children over many years. Even though they divorced, they remained friends.
Doing genealogy work, as mentioned above, was one of Jerry's passions. He wrote and produced a very large book on the Stephens family history and gave one to each family member. They were grateful for his efforts in this accomplishment, which was born from his caring and loving heart for family. He was very knowledgeable of cemeteries, along with country school locations, particularly in the Carroll County area. He had a vast collection of books and research papers pertaining to them. Jerry was a member of Findagrave for over 19 years. His contributions were valuable to others in their own quest to learn more of their ancestors. He was always willing to help in any way he could and gained many online friends from his works. In addition to his Findagrave passion, he was a longtime volunteer to transcribe death certificates for the State of Missouri. After a person has died, death certificates become public after 50 years, and volunteers are needed to transcribe them for publication each Spring. He looked forward to being a part of that group effort, which provides families an avenue to discover who their descendants are.
While dealing with poor health the last several years, Jerry's spirits remained high. With the help of his brother, Rex, and sister-in-law, Sondra, among other family members, he was able to remain in his home up until his last five months. During those last months, he was living in a care facility in Oak Grove, Missouri. His cell phone and computer were his lifelines and he so enjoyed keeping in touch with cousins and friends. Knowing he was going to be transferred to hospice care at St. Luke's East Medical Center, he began to make phone calls of goodbyes.
A man with a great sense of humor, a man of kindness, a tender-hearted man, and a man for a lifetime love of music, is how he'll be remembered.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Marjorie (Kinsey) Stephens; sister Gloria Richards and niece Donna Diffey. He is survived by his brother Rex and wife Sondra, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Two of Jerry's favorite sayings was "Shazaam!!" , and "What's a mother to do?"
Jerry was the first son and second child, born to Raymond and Marjorie (Kinsey) Stephens, in Kansas City, Missouri, where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1961. He then attended UTEP and Emporia State College, majoring in Spanish. Jerry worked as a bookkeeper for Kaw Roofing in Kansas City, Kansas for 29 years until retiring in 2009.
Jerry's early life was centered around a Christian family and attending church with his family to the small country churches each Sunday, where his father pastored at the Church of Christ congregations. His father also spent most of his vacations teaching Vacation Bible School at one of those locations. It was during this time that Jerry and the family had traveled much of Carroll County, giving Jerry opportunity to make friends that would turn into 'forever friends'. Those trips would include visits to relatives, not only in Carroll County, but Livingston County as well, and he particularly enjoyed spending time with his cousins. It was a treasure of new experiences, visiting 'the farm life'. In Jerry's later years, he remarked about having thoughts of a cabin in the woods in the 'Tater Hills' (in the Coloma, MO area), with just a dog and live closer to God. Those who knew him, would know, that should that have happened, he certainly would have missed having internet. Jerry was a night owl and loved staying up late, or all night, working on his family's history, making contributions to Findagrave, and volunteering to translate Missouri death certificates.
As an adult, and his growth in the Lord, he joined Fairmount Christian Church with Rev. David Plumbley as pastor. They became lifelong friends, and Rev. Plumbley officiated at Jerry's graveside services on October 19, 2022, on a cool, but sunny Wednesday afternoon. He mentioned that Jerry was always a witness for the Lord, and often asked "Are you Saved?". It was at the Fairmount Christian Church where Jerry played the organ, as well as filling in as a guest organist for several places. For many years, his home had either an organ or a piano in it. His love for music never faded and always enjoyed the talent of others who shared their gift as well.
Jerry and his former wife, Roxanna, had no children of their own, they loved and cared for over 20 foster children over many years. Even though they divorced, they remained friends.
Doing genealogy work, as mentioned above, was one of Jerry's passions. He wrote and produced a very large book on the Stephens family history and gave one to each family member. They were grateful for his efforts in this accomplishment, which was born from his caring and loving heart for family. He was very knowledgeable of cemeteries, along with country school locations, particularly in the Carroll County area. He had a vast collection of books and research papers pertaining to them. Jerry was a member of Findagrave for over 19 years. His contributions were valuable to others in their own quest to learn more of their ancestors. He was always willing to help in any way he could and gained many online friends from his works. In addition to his Findagrave passion, he was a longtime volunteer to transcribe death certificates for the State of Missouri. After a person has died, death certificates become public after 50 years, and volunteers are needed to transcribe them for publication each Spring. He looked forward to being a part of that group effort, which provides families an avenue to discover who their descendants are.
While dealing with poor health the last several years, Jerry's spirits remained high. With the help of his brother, Rex, and sister-in-law, Sondra, among other family members, he was able to remain in his home up until his last five months. During those last months, he was living in a care facility in Oak Grove, Missouri. His cell phone and computer were his lifelines and he so enjoyed keeping in touch with cousins and friends. Knowing he was going to be transferred to hospice care at St. Luke's East Medical Center, he began to make phone calls of goodbyes.
A man with a great sense of humor, a man of kindness, a tender-hearted man, and a man for a lifetime love of music, is how he'll be remembered.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Marjorie (Kinsey) Stephens; sister Gloria Richards and niece Donna Diffey. He is survived by his brother Rex and wife Sondra, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jerry was the first son and second child, born to Raymond and Marjorie (Kinsey) Stephens, in Kansas City, Missouri, where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1961. He then attended UTEP and Emporia State College, majoring in Spanish. Jerry worked as a bookkeeper for Kaw Roofing in Kansas City, Kansas for 29 years until retiring in 2009.
Jerry's early life was centered around a Christian family and attending church with his family to the small country churches each Sunday, where his father pastored at the Church of Christ congregations. His father also spent most of his vacations teaching Vacation Bible School at one of those locations. It was during this time that Jerry and the family had traveled much of Carroll County, giving Jerry opportunity to make friends that would turn into 'forever friends'. Those trips would include visits to relatives, not only in Carroll County, but Livingston County as well, and he particularly enjoyed spending time with his cousins. It was a treasure of new experiences, visiting 'the farm life'. In Jerry's later years, he remarked about having thoughts of a cabin in the woods in the 'Tater Hills' (in the Coloma, MO area), with just a dog and live closer to God. Those who knew him, would know, that should that have happened, he certainly would have missed having internet. Jerry was a night owl and loved staying up late, or all night, working on his family's history, making contributions to Findagrave, and volunteering to translate Missouri death certificates.
As an adult, and his growth in the Lord, he joined Fairmount Christian Church with Rev. David Plumbley as pastor. They became lifelong friends, and Rev. Plumbley officiated at Jerry's graveside services on October 19, 2022, on a cool, but sunny Wednesday afternoon. He mentioned that Jerry was always a witness for the Lord, and often asked "Are you Saved?". It was at the Fairmount Christian Church where Jerry played the organ, as well as filling in as a guest organist for several places. For many years, his home had either an organ or a piano in it. His love for music never faded and always enjoyed the talent of others who shared their gift as well.
Jerry and his former wife, Roxanna, had no children of their own, they loved and cared for over 20 foster children over many years. Even though they divorced, they remained friends.
Doing genealogy work, as mentioned above, was one of Jerry's passions. He wrote and produced a very large book on the Stephens family history and gave one to each family member. They were grateful for his efforts in this accomplishment, which was born from his caring and loving heart for family. He was very knowledgeable of cemeteries, along with country school locations, particularly in the Carroll County area. He had a vast collection of books and research papers pertaining to them. Jerry was a member of Findagrave for over 19 years. His contributions were valuable to others in their own quest to learn more of their ancestors. He was always willing to help in any way he could and gained many online friends from his works. In addition to his Findagrave passion, he was a longtime volunteer to transcribe death certificates for the State of Missouri. After a person has died, death certificates become public after 50 years, and volunteers are needed to transcribe them for publication each Spring. He looked forward to being a part of that group effort, which provides families an avenue to discover who their descendants are.
While dealing with poor health the last several years, Jerry's spirits remained high. With the help of his brother, Rex, and sister-in-law, Sondra, among other family members, he was able to remain in his home up until his last five months. During those last months, he was living in a care facility in Oak Grove, Missouri. His cell phone and computer were his lifelines and he so enjoyed keeping in touch with cousins and friends. Knowing he was going to be transferred to hospice care at St. Luke's East Medical Center, he began to make phone calls of goodbyes.
A man with a great sense of humor, a man of kindness, a tender-hearted man, and a man for a lifetime love of music, is how he'll be remembered.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Marjorie (Kinsey) Stephens; sister Gloria Richards and niece Donna Diffey. He is survived by his brother Rex and wife Sondra, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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