of Little Rock, AR
July 20, 1967 - January 28, 2014
James Stephen Holt, of Little Rock, was born in Leachville, AR, on 07/20/1967 and died 01/28/2014 at the age of 46, from ALS. Stephen was diagnosed with both ALS and Lyme disease this past July. Stephen loved the Lord, his family, his work as a lawyer, missionary service (especially in Paraguay) and hunting and fishing (especially with his son, Will and his buddies at deer camp).
Stephen is survived by his wife Patience Pruitt Holt, daughter Abbey Holt, son Will Holt, mother Brenda McClearn Holt of Leachville, older brother Micheal Holt of San Diego, CA, and younger brother David Holt of Little Rock. Stephen is preceded in death by his father James Leo Holt of Water Valley, Mississippi (11/8/1934 - 7/5/2001), the son of Daniel Holcomb Holt of Water Valley, Mississippi (12/6/1893 - 4/24/1946), the son of Andrew Neal Holt of Panola, Mississippi (9/17/1852 - 1/21/1920), the son of Thomas Leo Holt of Dickinson County, Tennessee (1824 - 7/7/1862), the son of William Neal Holt of Orange County, North Carolina (1794 - 10/1853).
The son of a teacher and a farmer/businessman, Stephen had the opportunity to live in the small-town, agricultural environment that is much of Arkansas. He worked on the family farm along-side his dad, whom he loves dearly. "We were poor and times were tough. We were not a perfect family but my parents loved me and my two brothers," has said Stephen. In kindergarten, Stephen met his lifelong best friend, Jeff Johnson, resulting in Stephen spending almost as much time in the home of Myrna and John A. Johnson as in his own home. During high school, Stephen's competitive nature was, perhaps, featured most in showing his prized cattle. True to form, Stephen put in hours and hours of detailed attention to his cattle. He greatly enjoyed exhibiting (and winning) at local and regional events. After graduating from the newly-consolidated Buffalo Island Central High, in Monette, Stephen headed to off for college at Ark. State University with his buddies Shannon Sanders, Chad Ward, and Jeff Johnson. It was at a freshman fraternity event that Stephen met Patience Pruitt. They dated through college and married shortly after their 1989 graduation (both with business degrees). Settling in Jonesboro, Stephen started his new career as a young banker. Their beloved daughter, Abbey Holt, was born in 1992.
Unexpectedly, during a term of circuit court jury service, Stephen-the-banker felt the call to become Stephen-the-lawyer. After prayerful consideration, Stephen and Patience decided to rent their recently-purchased home and move to Little Rock, so Stephen could attend law school. Stephen excelled. He was chairman of the Moot Court Board, a semifinalist in the National Trial Team Competition, Editor of the UALR Law Review, and graduated from the UALR Bowen School of Law with honors in 1996.
During law school, Stephen met fellow law student Bob Sexton and was employed by lawyers Mike Rainwater and Phillip Duncan as a student law clerk. After law school, Stephen joined the law firm of Duncan & Rainwater, P.A., where he was joined a few years later by Bob Sexton. Later, Mike and Stephen and Bob founded Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, P.A., which is now the largest plaintiff personal injury law firm in the state.
Stephen was devoted to his wife and children. It was in 1998 that the Holt family became four. Today, Abbey is a 21-year-old college junior at Ouachita Baptist University and Will is a 15-year-old high school freshman at Arkansas Baptist High School. Although she is close to becoming an early childhood teacher, Abbey is still Stephen's sweet little girl. Her father is proud of her and loves her very much. In her special role as big sister, Abbey has joined her parents in showering Will with love and affection. Will is a man of action, and Stephen loves that. What a joy it has been for Stephen to introduce Will to hunting, fishing, golf and the many other pursuits that Stephen and Will so enjoyed together. How grateful is he for all the family trips taken, and for all the hunting and fishing adventures Stephen and Will have shared. Stephen has had the joy of seeing Abbey through her formative years and now knowing that Abbey is well on her way to her life as an independent adult. Stephen has spent his last few months making preparations for Will's continued transition to adulthood. Stephen is a man with many brotherly friends, and the men in his life have agreed to come alongside Stephen, in brotherly love, to continue the legacy of Stephen's fatherly investment in Will Holt.
While Stephen loves being a father and a lawyer/businessman, he has all along had his heart quietly set on a bigger goal. Stephen and his brothers grew up with Christian parents. During revival services at the First Baptist Church of Leachville, 10-year-old Stephen Holt made public his profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was baptized on 08/21/1977. Years later during law school Stephen said he was confronted with the reality of how much time he was spending studying man's law and how little time he was spending studying God's word. Then and there, he resolved to change that. After law school, Stephen became a serious student of the Bible. His many hours of personal study include the recorded teachings of the Rev. W. O. Vaught, Jr. Stephen's study led him to the conclusion that a disciple must do more than study. The preaching of the Rev. Stan Paris, a former missionary, fostered in Stephen a strong desire to go and tell. The continuing sense of calling led Stephen to a semester-long class entitled: "PERSPECTIVES," which is a college-level class on the historical, biblical, cultural and strategic perspectives of the worldwide Christian movement. During that class, Stephen to decide he needed to GO ... now, rather than wait until he retired (as he and Patience had long planned). Stephen promptly signed up for an annual church mission trip ... to Paraguay. There he met and began his work with Paraguayan pastor Augusto Vega. For the past several years, Stephen has served as the Paraguay GO-team leader for Immanuel Baptist Church. At the time he was diagnosed with ALS, Stephen was working to raise funds to help plant a new church in Paraguay. Such was the desire of his heart.
The family will host a visitation at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock at 6:00-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 30, 2014 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, January 31, 2014 at Immanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Gary Hollingsworth and former IBC Pastor Stan Paris officiating. Interment will be at Riverwood Memorial Gardens in Maumelle, after which family and friends are invited back to the Holt home in Maumelle for food and fellowship.
The family requests that any memorial gifts be directed to either the Acts 1:8 Fund at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N Shackleford, Little Rock, AR 72211, or to the Stephen Holt Paraguayan Church Building Memorial Fund at the Arkansas Baptist Foundation, 10117 Kanis Rd, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Once again I find myself gravitating toward this page and reading the notes and well wishes that people have left. We still miss you and on some days the memories are so thick that I loose my breath. I have read your obituary again and again and it always feels like the first time. It is 2016 and almost two years since your physical body has left us but your presence is still felt here on earth. You touched so many. From here in the states to your beloved Paraguay, we love and miss you...Everyday.
There is not a day that goes by that you don't cross my mind. Your presence is still felt here in our home, at work with your friends and at church with your church family. We all miss you so much. You would be so proud of your children. They are proud of the legacy that you have left for them. They remember all the good times that we all shared as a family. Rest in Peace Stephen. <3
Patience and family,
So sorry for your loss.
Love in P.E.O
To the family of James Holt,
I am retired Sheriff Andy Lee, out of Benton County, Ar. We live in Florida now and I just found out of your loss and just wanted to say how sad Holly and I are.
I knew James when I was Sheriff and no doubt tested his defense skills with my many federal law suits filed by the nice inmates that was held in the county jail. James was always enjoyable to work with.
It saddens me when young, bright men as James passes on early in life. I pray for God to reach out and touch the hearts of all of you.
Andy and Holly Lee
Patience. I had not heard. I am so so sorry. If you ever need to talk, I am here. Love you... Lyn Jones
Patience and Family: you don't know me, but I knew Stephen from the Little Rock marathon training group. He, his buddies, and I ran together on a number of occasions, during which we had the most interesting conversations. Stephen was an inspiration to many, both through word and deed. My deepest condolences.
Dear Patience and family, please know that I have been and will continue praying for you. I so sorry for this loss, but I rejoice that Stephen is now at home with the Lord.
We are sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers. Lee Tuxhorn State Farm Insurance.
I met Stephen over twelve years ago when I started a business working with attorneys. I was very impressed by his sincerity. While I never got to meet his family, you knew just the way he handled himself that he was a very good person who loved God and his family. He and his partners are one of the finest group of people and attorneys I've met in the state of Arkansas. I am really going to miss seeing his smiling face when I visit his law firm this year.
I just saw this announcement, so excuse the delay. Stephen was a wonderful man, and I am so fortunate to have had the experience of knowing and working with him. His intelligence, grace, wit, charm, and integrity made our world a better place.
With Deep sympathy
Our prayers are with you all.
I am SO SORRY for your loss
We are truly sorry for your loss, and pray that the Lord will bless and comfort you, and give you the appropraie measure of strength to carry on without your loved one.
I have great love and affection for Stephen and considered him a good friend and exceptional man. I attempted to write additional thoughts about him (all clean and g rate) but this site would not accept my message. Therefore I will post in on my Facebook site. We love you Stephen! Prayers to all your family and co-workers at the firm! Paul & Susan
Patience-Dad called and told me the news of Stephen. We are praying for you as is all whose lives you all have touched.
Stephen was a great model of a man.I call it a privilege to have gotten the chance to call him a dear friend.Stephen did not know the word quit.All he knew was try and try harder if that did not work.I know he will be dearly missed and has made his mark on this world.Sincerely,Shannon Sanders
The news of Stephen's death, saddens me. Although I know he is in a better place than we are now, my heart goes out to his wife and children. I pray God sends them comfort while adjusting to life without Stephen. He was truly a wondrful man! He wll be missed.
I loved working with Stephen at Citizens Bank in Jonesboro. He was a fine man and good friend. He had a tender heart and caring spirit then. All my love to Patience and the family. Heaven is a joyful place and Stephen will be a perfect addition. He will always be in our hearts. Sueann and Marty Pace
May God wrap His loving arms around you and your family and give you comfort in this terrible time. We are so sorry and pray that God grants you a peace that surpasses all understanding and may He fill you with the hope that you WILL see Stephen again one day and what a wonderful day that will be!!
Mark and Shannon Edds
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you.
forever
George.
He’s talking to angels,
He’s counting the stars
Making a wish on a passing car
He’s dancing with strangers,
He’s falling apart waiting for Jesus to pick him up
In his arms
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss
So sorry for your loss Patience. Stephen was a gentleman and scholar. "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." - Joshua 1:8. "Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." Mathew 5:41. Stephen led his life accordingly and we have all benefitted from his love and commitment.
Love you guys. Stephen is missed and I have enjoyed working with him for years. I am doing my first mission work this week in Honduras as Stephen was a huge influence in my decision to come here. Hate to be away for the funeral services but Stephen would want me here. Love you all.
Rick Gunther
Patience and Family,
Paul and I are so very sorry for your loss. Stephen was always such a sweet person whenever we saw each other the many years we knew each other. And finding a Lonoke/Carlisle connection made it even nicer. I never saw Stephen without a kind word or smile. He will be greatly missed.
So very sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. My prayers for God's comfort and peace are with you.
stphen is one of the nicest young men i'd had the pleasure to meet. he worked with me at wright's grocery in leachville and again in atlanta for a.l. williams. he even stayed in our home while working one summer. i will always remember his postive attitude and how polite he was. mr.& mrs holt did an amazing job & i will miss my freind.
Patience I am so sorry for your loss. I know there aren't enough words for this. I know he is with God and your Dad. He isn't suffering anymore and having a jolly good time! Sweet cousin if I can help I will. Keep your faith strong! I will hold you in prayers and in love!
Stephen- you ran a great race and fought hard. Now it's time to rest in the arms of The Lord. I will miss you. Never forget the worry stone.
I pray that God will lighten your hearts. Stephen was such a kind person. I remember right after we first moved in next door I found a snake in my garden and I came and rang your doorbell and he came and killed it for me! Remember when Will caught the woods on fire, I pulled up with the fire trucks out front and Stephen said everything is ok, will just caught some brush on fire. He was always so easy going. I know he will be missed. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Praying for you, Abbey and Will.
I just want to say that it is so wonderful when people like James is love and respected by many. It makes Jehovah God happy to know that His Son Jesus Christ death was not in vain. John 11; 21-27. love a frienc
We were all shocked in our family to hear of your loss. Stephen was quite remarkable for all he accomplished in so many areas. Thank you for your fellowship and friendship with our family. Love, John, Susan, Brooke, and Harrison Shelnutt
I have experienced a better life because of knowing Stephen Holt. Enjoy your reward in heaven, Stephen you have earned it. May God grant peace and comfort to all those mourning his loss.
I just wanted you all to know about how deaply sorry we are about your loss, and just know that God is there and he always takes care of his people, We will always keep you n our prayers.
As is evident by the outpouring of condolences, Stephen touched many lives in such a positive and lasting way. Mine is one more. Having grown up in the same hometown, following after him in law school and sharing a like faith in our Lord Jesus, I have felt a particular admiration for--and bond with--him. He was of particular assistance to me during my first year of law school, a helpmate I won't forget. Even more than that, though, it was his unfailing kindness and faithful witness that left the indelible impressions that have so blessed me. I pray that God's great comfort and peace may flood the hearts of his dear loved ones even now. Romans 8:18, 37-39
I am so sorry for your loss, Patience. I only recently heard of Stephen's illness. I remember you and Stephen so well ASU and always thought you guys were the perfect couple! I am sorry your years together were cut so short. May God wrap you and your children in his arms during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss, Patience. I only recently heard of Stephen's illness. I remember you and Stephen so well ASU and always thought you guys were the perfect couple! I am sorry your years together were cut so short. May God wrap you and your children in his arms during this difficult time.
you will be missed my friend. your time here is an example for the rest of us.
One day, Stephen told me he hoped that I worked for him as long as he was practicing law. I thought that would be way more than 10 years. He was a great man, a wonderful boss and a good friend. He was loyal, compassionate and worked tirelessly for his clients. He loved his family, his church and his friends. He will be missed by many. Prayers are with Patience, Abbey and Will.
Patience I am so sorry to hear this. I always counted Stephen as one of the overall greatest persons I ever knew as a friend. You are in my prayers.
Holt Family, Our prayers are with you in the days ahead. Stephan will be missed but he leaves many memories and sets an example for all to follow. We love you guys, Bill and Retha
Mr. Holt has been apart of my family since 2000 I admire him tremendously when I first met him he made me and my family comfortable and we fell in love with him he has worked a bunch of my cases and he always had the time to listen to any problems I had.So anyone who had a problem with anything I would send them to Stephen because I knew he would treat them like family.He would call me from time to time to thank me for thinking about him and I would always tell him I do it because of the way you made me feel when I met you.And then I would say it helped also that you were good-looking and he would just laugh. So I will miss his laugh I will pray for his family for peace in this time of need I just wanted the family to know how special he was to my family and we are saddened and heart broken.But I know he's alright because I know he loved the Lord we talked about that to.I will miss him ......
As genuine as any person I have ever known. A true friend always willing to give of himself for the benefit of others. His sharing of the Gospel, his witness to others in the most challenging of times will continue to significantly impact the lives he touched.
Matthew 16:24-26
Mark 8:34-36
Luke 9:23-25
John 12:25-26
All of those passages define Stephen to me.
PEACE
So sorry for your loss! Will keep your family in my prayers
My heart is aching for your loss. So sorry to hear this. You & the entire family are in my prayers.
Stephen was a Blessing to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers to his Family. He will be missed.
My family & I send our heartfelt sympathies to all of precious Stephen's family. My husband, Gary, our daughter, Misty, and I formerly lived in Leachville, AR. We owned Wright's Grocery Store there.....Stephen worked there while attending high school; a sweeter, kinder young man I have never met. When we moved to Georgia, he came & lived with us the first summer we lived here & worked with my husband. Stephen was an amazing young man, I can honestly say I have never met another who had all the wonderful qualities he possessed. The summer he lived with us, we went on family outings together & had such fun. I treasure all the time & memories we made together.....he was always so wonderful with our daughter, who was a small little girl then. He has an amazing mother, who obviously did an unbelievable job raising her boys. We always knew Stephen would accomplish great things in his life. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Gary & Barbara Wright
Stephen was such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of working for him and will never forget him! Praying peace and comfort for the family. Carla
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Although I did not know Mr.Holt my sisters family (Brenda Guinee, Mark, Phillip and Thomas spoke very highly of Mr. Holt and through them I feel like i got to know him. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. God bless you.
Jayme and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Todd and Jayme Kimbrell
The memorial is a testament of a life well lived. Stephen has been met with the wonderful words of our Lord, "well done my good and faithful servant" and has entered the true rest we seek. I pray God's tenderness on you (Patience, Abbey and Will) during this time. Celebrate his life, ponder his love, enjoy every memory and fulfill his legacy.
Merciful blessings,
Scott Lindsey
I lived across the street from Stephen growing up in leachville. My sister Sherry and David were best friends and I often got left out of stuff because I was the little sister. I remember one day Stephen sat on the front porch with me a whole afternoon trying to teach me how to tie my shoes. He was always very nice to me and was always caring.
Praying for you all. Sending my respect, love, and blessings. Mrs Brenda is special to me, and my heart hurts for ALL her family. Stephen will be missed by many. Take care and may God bless. Sincerely marsha
Patience, Abbey, and Will, my heart breaks for your loss of Stephen here on this earth and my prayers are for you to feel the love and comfort God gives to His children. You are surrounded in love by many and have the peace and assurance that Stephen is in heaven and will be reunited with you one day.
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Stephen in law school, and he was always the gentleman lawyer I aspired, and continue to aspire, to be. Stephen set a high bar. After law school, his grace, intelligence, and humility were evident every time I dealt with him. Words seem so inadequate. Godspeed.
Patience, Abbey and Will,
There are many heavy hearts today with the earthly loss of a very special man. I'm so blessed to have called Stephen my friend. Over the years, through genuine conversations, committee meetings, and a couple of trips together, I grew to respect and love Stephen as a man who encouraged and built up others, who had a deep love for his wife and children, and who had and a great desire and passion to serve The Lord. We have great comfort that Stephen is healed and in the presence of God, but we are going to miss him so much. You loved him well. Praying for all of you now and in the days to come.
Patience & Family,
We are so sorry. You will be in our prayers & thoughts. Praying you will feel God's arms holding you, especially now & in the days ahead.
"When my heart is faint, Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. " Psalm 61:2
In His Love,
I'm so sorry for this great lost may the lord give you some peace in this time of sadnesses god bless your family and all his friend's
W
What a great father, man n brother. RIP brother Steve. In the Heart!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your whole family
I will miss you Stephen. You had a huge impact on my life. May you rest peacefully.
To the family I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of a great man. I worked with him on several Personal Injury Claims through the Company I worked for some years ago. He was always nice and pleasant to talk to. He will really be missed. May the Lord bless you and keep you is my prayer.
Please know you and your family are in my prayers
Sending our thoughts and prayers to your family as you go through this sad time.
Ms Brenda, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Stephan's family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear about Stephen's passing. I pray that his family finds the strength to endure this tough time. He will be missed by many.
Love the legacy Stephen has left for his family. He was such a great example of a follower of Jesus. So glad I got to know him.
RIP Stephen. You were such a great guy,frat bro, and part of my family. You will be truly missed. Patience, love you cuz
I am so sorry for your loss. From the obit that I just read, Stephen led a very good life and has a wonderful family. God Bless!!!
A former student at Leachville
May God provide peace and comfort to your family during this time. You all are heavy on my heart and in my prayers.
Praying for the Family. He was an AWESOME man!
All our lives are less bright with your passing but we know you are with our heavenly Father and wear the robe of his righteousness. Our thoughts are with your sweet family during this time of loss. We love you all.
Our deepest regrets for your loss.
What a precious example of faith in action. Truly a life well lived. What a blessing to have known Stephen this side of Glory and what a great Hope we have in knowing he is finally whole and we will see him again on the other side. Love you Patience, Abbey & Will.
Praying peace that oasses ALL understanding over your hearts now and in the days and years to come.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. (Isaiah 26:1, 3, 4 NKJV)
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Patience, Abbey and Will... Sending prayers to you, and so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my prayers.
Deepest sympathy to the Holt family! Your family will be in my prayers. May god wrap his arms around this Family and help them threw this time.
Patience, Abbey and Will... Sending prayers to you, and so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What an awesome life Stephen lived. My prayer is that all the wonderful memories you have of Stephen will carry you through the days ahead. God bless all the family & friends!
Patience & family,
My prayers are with you! May The Lord give you peace & comfort during your loss!
In Him,
Rae Lynn Hogue
I am praying for you and your family
My prayers go out to you guys. I have such sweet memories of your family at IBC. May God grant you the strength and peace only He can give. Love, Jo Ann
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Stephen's family. Many of his employees did not even have the chance to know him well, yet can still feel the obvious void left by the lack of his presence. How blessed he was to have so much love.
I am devastated at this news! I knew Patience in school. I met her husband at a class reunion almost 10 years ago. He was so sweet, as was Patience, of course. Nice couple! With all of our hearts you are in our prayers. Since you all seem to appreciate comfort from the scriptures I thought I would send one that always comforts me! John 5:28, 29! We love you all! Aloha
Patience accept my sadness to see your Facebook posting of Stephen's passing. Reading the obituary made me think back many years ago to our early banking days. Days of fun and good times. I also am now aware that I really did not even know Stephen very well and that saddens me. We seem to rush through life getting to the next point not even realizing where we have been. Sad. Prayers for you and children. Stephen is home knowing eternal rest and peace. Love to you. Connie
What a legacy he leaves behind. I didn't know him but a friend posted this on Facebook and I am so glad I clicked that link. He blessed me so much just by reading his obituary. May God bless and comfort his family!
Patience & family,
May you feel the love and comfort of the many friends raising you all up in prayer during this difficult time. Our love to you and yours~
Kim & Henry
What a wonderfully inspirational life and legacy you've shared with us! Thank you. God bless you all.
So sorry for your loss , praying god gives you peace & comfort at this time.,
My prayers to the entire Holt family! I am a co-worker of Brenda Holt's and after reading this obituary, I would say she raised a very wonderful son. Heaven has gained a servant and an angel.
Praying for the family. Love and prayers to you all.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Stephen! My heart goes out to all of you!!! Hugs!!! Praying for comfort. Live you guys!
My heart felt condolences are with your family at this time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
We will be praying for you during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Alan & Shelly Harvill
Patience, Abby, will, Brenda, Michael, and David
We were sad to hear that Stephen had passed away. Our prayers are with you all. God's blessings,
Johnny and Jo Ann Boyd
Our prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. To God be the Glory!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are so thankful that Stephen is no longer in pain or suffering. Our hearts hurt for those that are left here to miss him.
We love you all,
Tony, Beth, Justin , Cassidy, Ben and Brenley
I'm so sorry to hear about Stephen's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So deeply sorry for your loss.
What an awesome role model to have as a dad! Stephen has touched a lot of lives and we were blessed to have crossed paths with your family, Patience. Many prayers will be said for you and the kids! Love you guys!
Patience, I'm so sorry for your loss. Stephen was a great friend and lawyer. He will be missed. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Words can not express how sad my heart is. I love this family. I hope u know that I am here if u need anythg. Praying for peace and comfort love always
A beautiful life lived by a faithful servant, Stephen leaves a legacy of eternal significance.
Sending our love and prayers to you, Abbey and Will.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God's healing hand bring peace to each of you.
Patience, Abbey, Will, Brenda, Mike and David, words cannot express the sorrow you feel, but try to focus on the reality that Stephen is once again completely whole, walking the streets of gold, in the presence of our Lord and Savior!!! What joy he is experiencing!!!! Stephen was always a great guy, I can remembr many years ago chopping cotton for his family. Stephen was always ready to work, unlike the rest of us!!!! He always had a kind word for everyone and was always thrilled to run into folks from back home. I admired him for many reasons and his testimony and life will provide examples for me for many years to come. I pray that you can feel the power of God's love durnig this difficult time and that His presence helps you deal with the pain and sorrow you are experiencing. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Dear Patience, Abbey & Will,
Words can not express the sorrow in my heart that Jesus has called Stephen home so soon. Please know that you all are in our prayers. Some verses that come to mind are:
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress and he hears my voice. Ps 55:17
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Ps 62:8
In one of my daily devotionals from Jesus Calling it says, Heaven is both present and future, As you walk along your life-path holding My Hand, you are already in touch with the essence of heaven: nearness to Me. You can also find many hints of heaven along your pathway, because the earth is radiantly alive with My Presence. Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart, gently reminding you of My brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to My Holy Name. Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me.
The absolute certainty of your heavenly home gives you Peace and Joy, to help you along your journey. Let the hope of heaven encourage you, as you walk along the path of Life with Jesus hand in hand.
Jeff, Sherry, Michelle, Rachel Lee
What a legacy to be proud of. All our prayers and love.
Enjoyed the time serving together on the school board. We had occasional differences of opinions, but we always respected each other. He was a very gracious man.
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family .
Patience, Abbey & Will,
My heart is breaking for your loss. Even though we know he is free of the bondage of pain, I know you'll forever miss just having him around as you once did. ALS is a very dark road to travel and I admire how you and your family represented yourselves during such trial. That is a true testament to your love of God and faith.
I am happy for Stephen but sad for you and I have no doubt you'll see him again one day.
This is one of the most beautiful obituaries I've ever read. Thank you for sharing your journey with your friends. You may never know how many people you have touched by doing so.
Much Love, Wendelyn
We say goodbye to a very special friend and brother in Christ but long live Stephen's memory in us all. A memory that we can all live by because Stephen was exemplified through his works for Him. Greg admired Stephen and Patience, I admire you, you are a true inspiration to me and I aspire to be as strong as you in Christ. Stephen will continue to be loved, cherished and missed until we ALL see him again and we find strength in that faith. Love you Patience, Abbey and Will more than you know. With love, Sarah Walker.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.