Fannie Will Ferguson Stephenson was born on September 6, 1937, the eighth of twelve children to the late Tommie Ferguson Sr., and Julia Thomas Ferguson. At an early age, she confessed her Faith in Christ and became a lifelong, devoted member New Hope CME Church. She loved working in the church and served faithfully for many years as a Stewardess, a member of the Missionary Society and the Kitchen Coordinator. She gave her heart and time in service to her church and community, until her health declined. 

 Fannie united in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Robert Stephenson, on November 24th 1956. Their union was blessed with twelve children, 6 boys and 6 girls, same as their parents. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, doting grandmother, a loving sibling and a loyal friend. Above all, she treasured her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered together. 

 Raised in Lowndes County Mississippi, Fannie grew up in a home rooted in love, respect, and discipline. She carried those same values into her own household. Protective, caring and strong, she was a natural nurturer. She developed a love for cooking at an early age, a gift that would later shape her career and bless countless lives. 

 Fannie was employed as a baker and cook with the Columbus Municipal School District where she faithfully worked until her retirement in 1999. She loved her job because it combined two of her passions: caring for children and preparing meals with love. 

 Fannie had a vibrant personality and a warm spirit. She was a talker and never met a stranger. She enjoyed gardening, shopping, cooking and traveling. In retirement, she enjoyed the activities and fellowship at the Concord Community Center. Her love language was feeding people and her table was open to all. Her home was a place of comfort, fellowship and open doors – a place where everyone felt welcome. 

 She is preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Ramon Lavell and James Calvin; and her siblings, James T. Ferguson, Lloyd Ferguson, Pearlie Williams, Bertha Williams, Tommie Ferguson Jr, Julia Hudson, Celia Moore, Charlie Ferguson, Joe Lee Ferguson and Earline Scott. 

 Fannie's beautiful life, enduring legacy, and loving influence will be cherished by her devoted husband, Robert; her children, Bernice Stephenson, Lewis (Melvin) of Columbus, MS, Willie Earl Stephenson (Mercil) and Obbie Stephenson Tate (Raymond) of Ethelsville AL, Barbara Stephenson Reives (Stanley) of Collierville TN, Hilda Stephenson Eddins (Tony), Bobby Stephenson, Gwen Stephenson and Dwight Stephenson, all of Columbus MS; Calandra Stephenson Lake (Gregory) of Cypress TX; and Marlon Stephenson of San Antonio TX;  one brother, Willie B. Ferguson; sisters-in-law, Georgette Jackson and Frances Cohen. 

 She also leaves to cherish her precious memory her grandchildren, Brandi Tate, Byron Lewis, Marco Lewis (Shevone), Kendra Tate, Brittney Reives, Desmond Lewis (Christina), Vershun Eddins, Marcus Stephenson, Summer Reives, Elizabeth Ashley Polk, Kuriean Sparks-Barnes (Brandon), Andres Stephenson, Eliana Lake, Matthew Stephenson, Nicholas Lake and Zaine Craig; thirteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

 Her love for us will remain the thread that binds our family together for generations to come. A life that touches others goes on forever…