of Benton, AR

July 24, 1931 - May 6, 2025

Rev. Harold Dean Stephens, 93, of Benton, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on May 6, 2025. Born on July 24, 1931, in Lubbock, Texas, to Don Z. Stephens and Mary Jewell Spurlock Stephens, Harold's life was marked by his deep faith and unwavering commitment to ministry.

Harold graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and went on to attend Seminary school in Fort Worth, Texas. During his time at Ouachita, he often hitchhiked home to Harrison, Arkansas, using his journey as an opportunity to minister to people he encountered along the way. On one such trip, he met the love of his life, Shirley Price, in Searcy, Arkansas. They were married and shared 57 years of marriage before Shirley's passing in 2012.

On July 14, 1954, Harold was ordained at the Second Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and over the next 40 years, he pastored several churches in Texas, Oregon, and Arkansas. He retired from his position as pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Benton, where he had served for 20 years. Throughout his ministry, Harold's greatest joy was sharing the gospel and leading others to Christ. His life was a testimony of his love for the Lord and his devotion to the people he served.

Harold is survived by his daughters, Vanessa L. Stephens of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Tanya D. Hill of Los Alamos, California; a son-in-law, Gus Sousoures, also of Los Alamos, California; two grandchildren, Cory Yamashiro and Taylor Yamashiro, both of California; as well as several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Jewell Spurlock Stephens; his twin brothers, Floyd and Lloyd Stephens; and his beloved wife, Shirley Price Stephens.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church Building Remodel Project at 702 Church Street, Benton, AR 72015, or online at www.trinitybenton.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home of Benton.

Sign Guestbook

5 Condolence(s)