Debbie Stephens

Debbie Stephens December 24, 1950 - June 2, 2018. Deborah (Debbie) Stephens was one of the nicest people you could meet, which makes sense since she was born on Christmas Eve. She was kind to every living being, opening her heart to any animal in danger or any human in need. She loved others as God loved her and practiced Matthew 25:35, "When I was hungry and you gave me food." She came to Wichita as a child, graduated from Wichita Collegiate, and attended Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. She lost husband Les in 1992. She worked in Human Resources for Target for many years, then in Human Resources at Independent Living Resource Center and was currently employed at Reformation Lutheran Church where she served as the office administrator and volunteer coordinator. She served with grace making everyone who walked in the door feel special. She was very active at St. James Episcopal Church. She graduated from Education for Ministry, a four-year course of study which resulted in certification from Sewanee of the South. She served St James as a Sunday School for the young children for many years, their wedding coordinator and was a member of the Altar Guild and the Daughters of the King. Her nieces, Octavia, Emily, Ella, Ember, and Willow were the loves of her life and they shared many adventures. She treasured all of the time they spent together. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Leona Rodgers; brother, Kevin Rodgers; and her husband, Les. She is survived by her brother, Brian; sisters, Karen, Margaret, Diane, Kathryn; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be at 10 am, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at St. James Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: St. James Episcopal Church 3750 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67208; Reformation Lutheran Church 7601 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS, 67206. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.