Jerilynn Kay Stephens

Beautiful songstress, painter and beloved member of her community Jerilynn Stephens’ love of life did not come to an end with her death. Jerilynn passed away in Boardman, Oregon on February 26, 2022 at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with dementia, her husband was faithfully by her side.

Jerilynn Kay Stephens, daughter of Kenneth Wayne Hopkins and Maxine Louise Taylor, was born on October 13, 1942 in the town of Clinton, Iowa. She grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended Park Rose high school where she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Harold Stephens. Life took Jerilynn and Bill down different paths after high school, but fate brought them back together. They solidified their dedication to one another through marriage on December 5, 1976. Their reunification blessed them with a wonderful blended family.

Throughout her lifetime Jerilynn had many different interests and enjoyed several hobbies including painting, dancing, and of course, singing. She was known for her angelic voice that she used to bring others joy when singing hymns and psalms with her church choir, as well as at other events she attended.

Jerilynn always liked to give back to the community and after she retired from Owens Illinois Glass Plant as a bottle selector, she provided services for the Salvation Army during numerous holiday seasons. Jerilynn sang Christmas carols for the passersby to appreciate while she rang the bell for donations. She even made the local newspaper for doing so!

She had a very soft spot in her heart for animals and particularly loved dogs and cats. She had many wonderful furry family members that she doted on including three very special Maltese: Prince Buttons, Princess Bows, and Candy Sue. Jerilynn would often rescue abandoned animals and give them a loving home.

In her retirement she cherished spending time with family, particularly her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to watch them and spend quality time being an adoring grandmother. Her family knew how deeply she loved them and will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Jerilynn’s personality, influence, and fierce ability to love will forever remain etched into the lives of all who knew her and loved her equally in return. She is survived by her husband William Stephens; sisters, Patty Burkett and Bonnie Brown; children, Tony Nelson, Tamla Nelson, Linda Labes, Leya Dewey, Diane Hebert, Lori Stephens, and Kenneth Baca, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Norman Hopkins; her second eldest son Richard Nelson; along with other relatives and friends that she dearly loved.

Although our hearts are broken, and our sorrow runs deep, we must remember to smile and cherish the memories we made while we had you near.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 12:00pm burial immediately following.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 10th from 9:30am-3:30pm.