Dorothy Evelyn Stephens

Dorothy Evelyn Stephens, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Waco, Texas. Born on December 11, 1939, in Temple, Texas, Dorothy lived a life centered on faith, family, and the simple joys of country living.

Known for her deep compassion and open heart, Dorothy had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. She never met a stranger and embraced others with genuine warmth, even as her playful, ornery spirit occasionally shone through. She found great pleasure in tending her yard, reading good books, caring for her animals, and creating a warm and loving home.

She took special delight in gathering her family around the table for homemade meals, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. These occasions, filled with laughter and the aroma of her cooking, became treasured memories for those she loved most. Home was her sanctuary, where her heart found its fullest joy in the company of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandson.

Dorothy took great pride in the beautiful family she built. She is survived by her daughters, Dottie Stephens and Nan Chestnut; her grandchildren, Shanna Kopp, Leah Karl and husband Robert; her great-grandchildren, Haley Campbell and husband Jonah, Kortney Dinscore and husband Ben, Alyssa Kopp, and Kadence Karl; her cherished great-great-grandson, Lucas Dinscore; her sister, LaNell Mersiovsky; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Stephens, her parents James and Lorene Davis, her grandson Jerry John Chestnut, her brother James Davis, and her sisters Doris Lowery and Mary Stanford.