Barbara Jean (Brown) Stephens

Barbara Jean Stephens, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Hospice of South Georgia surrounded by her loving family. 

A resident of Jesup for the over forty years and former resident of Darien and Fort Pierce, Florida, Barbara was born on August 23, 1939 in Alabama to the late, J.P. and Martha Peebles Brown.  She worked many jobs throughout her lifetime including a job at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick but was most well known for her work as a waitress at the family restaurant, Mama’s and Papa’s.  She continued her career in food service as a waitress at the Western Sizzlin’ in Jesup for many years before retirement.  Barbara was a natural caregiver and devoted her life to the service of others.  She attended church at New Beginnings Church in Ludowici and enjoyed spending time with her family when she wasn’t working.  In addition to her parents, her son, Lamar Stephens and grandchildren, Matthew Tanner, Jakayla Tanner, James Cole and Barbara Brogdon all preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband of forty-one years, Lonnie Stephens of Jesup; son, Neal Wheeler and wife, Kelly of Finger, Tennessee;  daughters, Janice Amerson of Jesup, Becky Bridges of Hortense, Belinda Tanner of Jesup, Cindy Woodard  and husband, Mike of Jesup, Sharon Jacobs and husband, Larry of Fort Worth, Texas, Candi Strickland of Alma and Karen Paulson of Jesup; siblings, J.P. Brown of Virginia, Pat Sadler of Coco Beach, Florida and Carolyn McPeak of Fort Pierce, Florida.  A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with Rev. Stanley Todd officiating.

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