Obituary of Annie Stephney

To everyone that our Heavenly Father has blessed me with, to be a part of my life; my son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, church family, many family members and many devoted friends. Your presence here today was planned and ordained of God from the foundation of the world. God sent me, Annie Mae Stephney, from heaven to be born on October 8, 1926 in Cypress, Louisiana to Elias and Caroline Tyson. My birth mother Caroline, was called home by the Lord, shortly after. Therefore, my only brother, Luther Tyson and I were both raised by our Grandmother "Lula Sweet". I received my formal education in the Jonesboro, Louisiana School System. In February 1942 I gave birth to my only son Lawrence Edward Thomas in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Later moving to Galveston, Texas is where I received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and did my best to be a testimony to the goodness of God by loving and striving to live in peace with every one each day of my life. Joining in fellowship with the Compton Memorial C.O.G.I.C. From Texas, I moved to Los Angeles, California where I met and married Brother Ivory Stephney, in 1954 we became a union and moved to Palm Springs, California. I then joined fellowship with Garnett C.O.G.I.C. where God has blessed me to serve as a member for over 15 years. I was a pioneer in the work of the Lord and a powerful woman of God. I served along with mother L.O. Hale and received my Missionary Evangelist, and had the opportunity to travel around the country as a national Evangelist and won many souls to Christ. I served as a District Missionary a total of 2 times and did a great work with both of my superintendents. My desire was to serve, I served in my local church whenever or wherever was asked of me, and held many titles. I also served in the San Bernardino Region with Mother Esther Hordy, in the St. James District under the leadership of my Pastor and Supt. Carlton Anderson, with my present district Missionary Delores Leary as District Church Mother, Teacher and Financial Expeditor. I am preceded in death by First Lady Evangelist Hazel Anderson whom I loved very dearly. I have also served in the Jurisdictional Southern California under the leadership of Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis, Jurisdictional Supervisor, whom served on the Advisory Board. I was known in Christendom for my love for the people of God and love to all children. One of my favorite quotes was "I might be hopping, but I am not stopping." At my homecoming, I was sure to be greeted by my mother, father, brother and husband who all preceded me in death. To all my loved ones assembled today for my farewell celebration, on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, the Lord called me home. I leave behind wonderful memories and experiences of a well spent life to my son, Lawrence E. Thomas and daughter-in-law, Birda M. Thomas, 7 grandchildren: Edward, Rochelle, Renee, Sheila, Vulnavia, Ja'Net, Jacquea, 26 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren; nieces, Alice Tyson; great-nieces, Avys and Sha-Quita; goddaughter, Danielle Jiles. I want to especially thank my great-niece "Niecy" who was my caregiver and the daughter I never had. Niecy cared for me when I needed her most and helped me live my last years very comfortably. I would also like to give a very special thank you to Pastor Anderson and Family, The Leary Family, and Pastor Clarence Thomas and wife Eva Joe Thomas, through all your endless prayers and support. God bless you all.