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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8 Condolence(s)
Ricky Nooner
Friday, May 16, 2025
Bro. Stephens baptized me when I was 7 years old at Trinity Baptist Church. That was almost 29 years ago. I still remember his preaching, his kind heart, and love for people. He was a great man of God and I'll never forget him.
Prayers to all his family during this time. Remember to celebrate with joy because I know for a fact that's what he's doing right now with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!
Erin
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Big hugs to the family he was a great guy loved having him as a neighbor In Los Alamos
Elaine Pearson
Monday, May 12, 2025
He was a great pastor and a sweet man he married my ex and I 42 years ago
Carolyn Price Seymour
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
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
Sunday, May 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you during this time
Tracy H Hairston
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
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.