Gretchen Lea Jones Stephens was born on December 27, 1928, in Gandy, Louisiana, the oldest of five children born to Lee and Audra Jones. She passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024, in Beaumont, Texas, having lived 95 years. She is survived by her son, Harry James Stephens, and his wife Linda Stephens of Montrose, Colorado, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Audra Jones; 3 brothers, Bo Jones, Glynn Jones, and Ralph Jones; and one sister, Joan Pilcher.
Despite being born and raised in a small, rural town, Gretchen wanted to go to the city. In 1947, she moved to Beaumont, Texas, and attended business college before starting work. She spent the rest of her life in Beaumont and retired from the Texas Youth Commission as a juvenile parole officer. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church for 70 years. Gretchen was a talker. If you met her, you know this! She never met a stranger and had amazing stories to tell. She also had one of the best laughs any human has ever had. It was bold and brassy, just like her. It was impossible not to be drawn into her circle when she tilted her head back and let out one of those big laughs. Gretchen was also a fashion icon, especially to young nieces back home in Louisiana. When she visited, she always had her beautiful blonde hair done, perfect makeup, and a gorgeous outfit complete with matching jewelry. When Auntie Gretch came to visit, it was a big deal! Gretchen will also be remembered for being a hard worker with a strong work ethic and having tons of friends.
A reception/visitation will be held in Beaumont at Wesley United Methodist Church on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Parlor .
A graveside service will be held in Florien, Louisiana at Prospect Cemetery on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart to Heart Hospice in Beaumont, Texas.
