Mary Lou Stephens, age 85, of Collins, Georgia died Sunday evening in Jacksonville, Florida after an extended illness.  She was a native of Montgomery County and had resided there until moving to Collins in 1987.

Mrs. Stephens was a homemaker and Baptist by faith.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Stephens in 1980 and one son, Johnny M. Stephens in 2004.  Mrs. Stephens is survived by 2 sons, Elton Stephens and his wife Kathy of Tarrytown, Billy Stephens and his wife Janet of Braselton; 2 daughters, Claudette Drury and her husband Kenneth of Fernandino Beach, Florida and Jessie Cook and her husband Kenneth of Kilgore, Texas, one brother, Billy Walker of Reedsport, Oregon.  Eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren also survive.

Graveside service for Mary Lou Stephens will be held Wednesday morning, March 13, at 11:00 AM at South Thompson Baptist Church Cemetery with daughter, Jessie Cook officiating.  Interment will follow.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 6 until 8pm.

Jones-Stewart Funeral Home of Lyons is in charge of funeral arrangements.