Funeral services for the Reverend Joe "Daddy Joe" Stephens will be held Tues, Feb. 10, 2009 at High Noon from the Parkview Baptist Church - Longview, TX. Pastor J. C. Watkins, Officiating - Reverend K. W. Stephens, Eulogist.
Burial - Lakeview Cemetery, Longview.

Joe Stephens, a Husband, Father, Man of God, Preacher, Pastor, and servant of God was called home to Glory, Saturday, February 7, 2009.
The Reverend Joe Stephens the son of the late Joe Stephens and Katie Baker was born June 29, 1930, in Longview, Texas. Reverend Stephens dedicated his life to the fulfillment of his vision about Christians' duty to meet the needs of others.
His Christian journey commence by uniting with Saint Mark C.M.E. Church at an early age. Later in life he united with the Antioch Baptist Church in Midland, Texas where he served as a deacon under the leadership of Reverend G. T. Curry. Moving from Midland, Texas to Longview, Texas he served as a deacon at Mount Olive Baptist Church until he was called to preach to Gospel. He served as an Associate Minister at Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend R. T. McNeil.
"Daddy Joe" as he was affectionately known was ordained in 1975 and he was called to pastor his first church with Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Greggton, TX; then he served as the pastor to the following churches: Hebron Baptist Church-Longview, TX; Mount Olive Baptist Church-Gilmer, TX; Williams Chapel Baptist Church-Hallsville, TX; Center Point Baptist Church-Pittsburg, TX. Finally he served as the Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church for 11 years, retiring from pastoring in 2003. After retiring from pastoring he served under the leadership of Reverend J. C. Watkins. Pastor Stephens' sons in the ministry are: Reverend Johnny Q. Brown, Reverend Kerry Tennison, Reverend Tyrone Jones, and Reverend Williams Smith.
He leaves to cherish is memory and continue legacy: his devoted wife, Helen Stephens of Longview, TX; four sons: Joseph Stephens III, Detroit, MI; Pastor K. W. Stephens, Longview, TX; Darrell C. Stephens (Mary), Longview, TX; Cedric L. Stephens (Beverly), Longview, TX; one grandson he raised, Deverell "Scooter" Stephens, Longview, TX; two daughters: Rosalind Hodge, Longview, TX and Corene Austin (Calvin), Toledo, OH; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Charles Clark, Dallas, TX; Brazell (Peewee) Baker, Longview, TX; Robert Baker, Longview, TX and Marvin Baker, Dallas, TX; three sisters: Ruby Jackson, Midland, TX; Erma Fagan, Longview, TX and Faye Evans, Longview, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pastor Joe Stephens was preceded in death by his daughter, Phyllis; his daughter-in-law, Sherry; his grandson, Brandon at an early age; and his sister, Betty at an early age.