Rev. Harold Dean Stephens
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Rev. Harold Dean Stephens

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.

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5 Condolence(s)
Carolyn Price Seymour
Jacksonville, FL
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Monday, May 12, 2025

So sorry for your loss. I knew Harold when he first met, fell in love with and married Shirley, my cousin. They were truly two ''lovebirds'' who were married for many years. May God bless the family with peace & love.

Trish Price
Searcy, AR
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Monday, May 12, 2025

Randy and I had the privilege of living next to Harold and Shirley for many years. Randy is Shirley's little brother, we had some really good times together. Harold used to mow in the summer heat while drinking coffee! He was one tough guy and we loved him dearly.

Dianne McNary
Little Rock, AR
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Sunday, May 11, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you during this time

Tracy H Hairston
Bauxite, AR
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Sunday, May 11, 2025

I never had the privilege of making your acquaintance, however, I am a friend to Vanessa. You would be so proud of the hundreds of lives she has touched with her gentle kindness and enthusiasm. She is loved by so, so many.

Kathy & Bruce Carlisle
Benton, AR
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Sunday, May 11, 2025

Vanessa and Tonya, we are so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was the pastor at our wedding. We have fond memories of your sweet family.