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Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
- Matthew 5:12
Mr. James Allen Stephens, 78, was a resident of Ruffin, SC. A loving and devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend; Mr. Stephens has left a legacy that will forever be cherished by his loving family, friends, and those who knew and loved him.
Public visitation will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2021 2:00-6:00 P.M. at the mortuary. The Celebration of Life for Mr. Stephens , will be conducted on Monday : January 18, 2021 at One O’ clock in the afternoon in the Legacy Chapel of Koger’s Mortuary.
(In compliance with the recommendations of the CDC facial masks as well as social distancing practices will be strictly enforced.)
On behalf of the family, we ask that you lift them in prayers as they prepare to celebrate and say farewell to one whom they love.
Mr. James Allen Stephens, a husband, father, grandfather, and friend was the third child born to the late James and Dorothy Stephens on May 13, 1942 in Ruffin, SC
January 11, 2021, James answered his heavenly call while at Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro, South Carolina. Transitioning him from labor to reward.
To know James was to love him! He truly never met a stranger and if he did not know you, by the time the conversation was over he was sure to know someone related to you. James was one of very few people who was known by their first and middle name. It was never James, it was always JAMES ALLEN. However he answered to many names, such as Chilly, Tee, Lil Jim, but to his children he was called “MY DADDY” James was the patriarch of his family. Always providing words of advice, encouragement and a good laugh. James had a sharp memory! He was able to remember things from 50 years ago in great detail. James had a big heart, he was willing to help anyone in need. He would never tell anyone “no” , if he wasn’t able to do it he would find the person who could get the job done. James was educated in the public school system of Colleton County. He would often tell stories of his younger years of having to walk to school in the cold and heat. He was a graduate of Ruffin High School class of 1962, he would often say “Better late than never, some ain’t got that.”
James Allen was a lifelong member of Buckhead United Methodist Church. He LOVED his church, and worked diligently there for many years. He served on the Finance committee, Trustee Board and the United Methodist Men. He was also a fateful member of the Hand-In- Hand Community Outreach, and a father figure to many in the community and surrounding areas. James was employed with the South Carolina Department of Transportation for 39 years. He loved his job, he could spend hours telling stories about those wonderful years of “working on the road” as he would call it. However, his favorite jobs were being a father and grandfather! He loved his kids and grandchildren, he will forever have a special place in their hearts. James Allen will be missed in the local stores, he could always be found on one of automatic carts riding around greeting the customers. On February 10, 1965 he married the late Carrie Aiken, and this union produced four children. He and his “Bear” as he called her are reunited once again.
James is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two siblings, Gladys Stephens and Dorothy Rose.
James leaves behind to cherish his life and carry his legacy his children, James E. Stephens, Tony (Mary) Stephens, Orzetta (Fred) Rivers and Shonda Stevenson. Others reared as children, Jacoby (Kiana) Kirkland, Micheal Kirkland, Christopher Kirkland, Woodrow Aiken, Maketa Kirkland and Tyrone Jenkins. (1) brother, Lucas Stephens, (4) brother inlaws, Willie (Doris) Aiken, Henry (Beth) Aiken, Lawrence Aiken and Purvis Reddish. 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren. Two Special Cousins, Annette Bodison and Teresa Stephens. Along with a host of others he loved as if they were his own children and grandchildren, neceis, nephews, cousins and friends.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. James Allen Stephens, please visit our floral store.