Nancy Lee Stephens' Obituary
Nancy Lee Stephens, despite being a small woman in stature was a towering force in spirit. Nancy born to Harris and Bertie Harkey on May 10, 1936, in Quitman, AR left this earth on October 16, 2023 in Tulsa, OK. Starting at a young age she worked long hard days on her family cotton farm until the time she too relocated to California. Nancy's heart was committed to serving others. Over two decades, she worked for the State of Oklahoma, 15 years of which was spent providing healthcare services to challenged children.
Cecil and Nancy's remarkable love story began over six decades ago on a blind date, and their connection remained unbreakable until the end. Their marriage, on October 1, 1960, in California, fused their souls into one harmonious existence. They were an inseparable unit, moving in silent synchrony. Both possessed an uncanny ability to brighten the lives of those in need – Cecil with a well-timed joke and Nancy with a comforting hug. In 1977, they embarked on a new adventure, moving their family back to Cecil's hometown of Tulsa. Cecil and Nancy's foremost dedication was to their family. Their home was a haven for anyone in need, where their helping hands and loving hearts were always ready. Together they shared a passion for travel, and cherished the memories of their tremendous two-week journey across Europe, a belated honeymoon filled with everlasting love.
Cecil and Nancy were preceded in death by their parents, Gilbert and Inez Stephens, Harris and Bertie Harkey, their siblings – Ina Silva, Diana Gregory, Sharon Flemings, Karl Gregory, Ray Henson, John Harkey, Eugene Harkey, and Gary Waldren as well as their children – Joshua Stephens, daughter in-law - Maria Stephens, and grandchildren – David Stephens and Adrianne Harper. They are survived by their children – Debbie and Eddie Sweaney, Ronald and Brenda Stephens, James Stephens, and Denise and Bobby Pierce, their grandchildren – Kim Sweaney, Lori and Jason Cornwell, Lisa and Kyle Wann, Amanda Stephens, Stacey Stephens, Zachary and Estefany Stephens, Sarah and Aaron Culley, Joey and Carly Stephens, Emily Delacruz, Rebekah and Chase Sheckels, Tabitha Pierce, Delylah Pierce, and Sheyla Pierce, along with their loving siblings – Phyllis Gregory, Delores and Larry Martin, Jim Flemings, Barbara Henson, and Donald Gregory. Their family extends to include 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Cecil and Nancy's love was a timeless and boundless force, and their legacy will continue to thrive through the countless relationships they nurtured.
Webcasting is available for those that cannot attend the service in person at the following link:
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/93652/hash:42345D7E91D131D8
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