Margaret Rivers Stephens, the eldest child of nine was born on November 1, 1914 to the John and Mattie Rivers in Jacksonville, Florida.  On November 4, 2021, three days after celebrating her 107th birthday, she traveled from labor to reward.

Margaret attended public schools in Jacksonville, Florida, graduating from Old Station High School.  She eventually relocated to Brooklyn, New York to attend nursing school but the Lord had other plans named William H. Stephens.  At the age of 100 she reluctantly agreed to relocate to Hampton, Virginia to reside with her daughter and son-in-law.

She met the love of her life, William on the trolley car in Brooklyn, New York.  William developed courage and asked Margaret to write him while he was in the Navy.  The beginning of a beautiful and loving relationship.  They became engaged in 1946 and was joined in holy matrimony on July 27, 1947.  From this union was born a grateful daughter, Yvette.  Margaret and William loved children and were the proud god-parents to Margaret Wilhemina Porter, Linda Rose Bethel and Thomas Peter Stephens, Jr.

Margaret accepted Christ at an early age uniting with Bethel Baptist Church (Bethel Baptist Institutional Church), Jacksonville, Florida.  After relocating to Brooklyn, New York she united with Concord Baptist Church of Christ remaining a faithful member for over 70 years.  After relocating to Hampton, she attended First Baptist Church of Hampton where she received a warm loving welcome as if she had been there all her life.

Margaret's love for young people was evident in her chaperoning school trips (even though she worked nights) and volunteered as coordinator for the cookie drive of the Brownies and Girl Scouts at the church.  She was also a member of Concord's Willing Workers Ministry.

She retired from Federal Reserve Bank (wire transfer) after over 25 years of service.

Margaret enjoyed traveling by sea, air and land.  Her most memorable and grateful trip was to the Holy Land.

Many were blessed by Margaret's sweet, kind, encouraging and compassionate spirit.  Her home was always open for a good meal and/or overnight or as needed stay.

She loved and cherished her immediate and extended family.  Once she met you, you immediately became part of her extended family.  Many called her "Aunt Margie."

Margaret loved the Lord.  As her life became dimmer, she would often be heard thanking Him. During this time, her daughter had to provide more care and they became even closer if that was possible.  She would sometimes ask her daughter, "Do you know what you are doing?"  Yvette would respond, "No," and she would say, "I didn't think so, but I'm grateful that you are trying."

She was predeceased by her parents, husband of 59 years, 5 sisters, 2 brothers and god-daughter, Margaret.

Those blessed precious memories will be cherished by her daughter, Yvette and son-in-law, Donald Chiang Person.  She also leaves to cherish her memory her last surviving sister, Irene Morgan of Jacksonville, FL, god-daughter, Linda Rose Bethel of Brooklyn, NY; godson, Thomas Peter Stephens, Jr. of Boston, MA; sister-in-law, Mozelle Stephens of Hampton, VA; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Hampton, 229 North King Street, Hampton, VA 23669.  Mrs. Stephens will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church on Friday.  Interment will be held at a later date.   O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.