Barbara Stephenson

As family and friends can certainly attest, Barbara Stephenson truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength for those around her, even in the most difficult of times, and she always had an encouraging word to say. Nothing brought Barb greater joy than spending time with her loved ones. She was well known for her unshakeable faith and her solid work ethic, providing such an inspiration to all who were near. Forever loved, Barb will be deeply missed by those who knew her best.

With America and our allies achieving victory in the fight for our freedoms during WWII in 1945, there was dancing in the streets. The weeks and months that followed witnessed countless young servicemen and women returning home while rationing became a thing of the past. It was during this time of transitioning to being a nation at peace once again that Ester James and Florine (Scott) Hale were able to celebrate some exciting news in their own lives as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Barbara Anne on August 25, 1946, in Barberton, Ohio.

Growing up, Barb was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, James, Ruthann, Carol Mae, Jerrie, Phyllis, Stanford, Joe, Jimmy, Tim, David, Luvenia, Larry, Mary Jane, and Sharon. Throughout her childhood, Barb moved around a lot. After graduating from Buchtel High School in Ohio, she attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ready to move on to bigger and better things, Barb worked tirelessly to earn her RN license and, later, a bachelor’s degree in science from Western Michigan University.

Even as a child, Barb was known for her serving nature and nurturing personality, so a career in nursing was a natural choice. She worked in several departments at Borgess Hospital, including pediatrics, outpatient surgery, and in the emergency room. Barb truly loved her work and poured her heart and soul into her patients. She formed close friendships with many of her co-workers, and she looked forward to going to work each and every day.

Of all the things she loved in life, Barb treasured her family above all else. Through mutual friends, she was introduced to the man who would soon become her husband. His name was Bert Stephenson, and though Barb was not immediately charmed, Bert’s persistent interest (and deep dimples!) eventually won her over. Over the years, they were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children, Annette, Travis, and Angela, into their hearts and home. Barb thrived in her role as a mother and had a way of making even the ordinary extraordinary. Her children’s birthday celebrations were extremely important to her, as she had never had one growing up amongst so many siblings. She placed an emphasis on the importance of books and education and made sure they took regular trips to the library, along with swim lessons, family trips, and summer camps. Barb also enjoyed close relationships with her stepdaughter, Tambra, and her children McKayla and McKenna.

Barb was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. She was always present at their various sporting, church and school activities. Barb was affectionately called “Momook” by them. She enjoyed attending family reunions and even hosted a few herself. Barb always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Barb pursued many hobbies and community volunteerism to stay busy in her free time. She genuinely loved the adventure of visiting locations all around the world. Barb was thrilled to travel to Australia, Africa, Europe, Central America, and Israel with various groups. Barb enjoyed book clubs as these combined both her love for reading and being social. She liked making quilts for all her children and grandchildren, which have become such special keepsakes. Barb’s faith, found in her early adulthood, was of the utmost importance to her, and the Bible became her favorite book to read daily. She made sure to teach her children, grand and great grandchildren, about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the hope his death, burial, and resurrection provides.

When reflecting on the life of Barbara Stephenson, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She never backed down from a challenge and faced every difficulty with her usual spirit of determination. A loving wife and mother, Barb was proud to watch her family tree grow to include so many loved ones. Her heart of service allowed her to touch the lives of countless others in ways both great and small. Though Barb will be dearly missed, she leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Barbara Stephenson of Kalamazoo, age 76, died on January 5, 2023. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Bert; and siblings: James Hale, Ruthann Gary, Carol Mae Anderson, Jerrie Wilmington, Phyllis Davis, Stanford Hale, Joe Hale, Jimmy Hale, Tim Hale, and David Hale. Surviving are her children: Annette (Ronald) Gipson, Travis (Marciann) Stephenson, Angela Stephenson; Stepdaughter, Tambra Hollingsworth; grandchildren: Justin Stephenson, Joshua (Tashina) Gipson, Tyler Stephenson, Joel Gipson, Aaron Gipson, Trason Stephenson, McKenna Hollingsworth, McKayla Hollingsworth; great-grandchildren: Elianna, Cameron, and Caleb; siblings: Luvenia (Roosevelt) McKinney, Larry (Connie) Hale, Mary Jane Whiteside, Sharon (Jewell) Crishon, in- laws: Louise (Jimmy) Frederick, Billy Stephenson , Alverna Matthews, Stephanie (Marlon) Hopson and sister-in-law, Sessy Hale; many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of beloved family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 12, at 12 PM at Bible Baptist Church, 1700 N. Drake Rd., Kalamazoo. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Burial at Riverside Cemetery. Visit Barb’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.