Jeri Ann Stephens

Jeri Ann Stephens of Garland, Texas, passed away at the age of 64 on February 8, 2018, after a lengthy illness. She was quiet, thoughtful, and loved learning. Fluent in five languages, Jeri was always reading at least two books. She had a phenomenal mind. Born on July 21, 1953, Jeri grew up in Texarkana, Arkansas, where she excelled at showing horses. She won many writing and science awards and graduated as a top ten scholar from Arkansas High School. She attended the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English and philosophy. After studying for a semester in Rome, she took graduate courses at Texas Women's University in Denton, where she won a writing award and also taught English. Jeri worked as a logistical manager/purchasing agent at Marine Plastics, Inc., in Denton. She continued her career as an editor and logistical manager at Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service in Mesquite. Throughout her life, she was a dog enthusiast. Jeri bred, showed and trained Weimaraners. She was an advocate for the breed and a mentor when people needed help. She was also a self-taught chef who studied Julia Child's methods and put them into practice. In spite of life's hardships, Jeri always had a positive attitude. Jeri was preceded in death by her parents Edwin Stephens and Betty Stephens Jennings; Uncle Jere E. Stephens; Aunt Carol Jean Stephens, and a very special aunt, Lee Bosley. She is survived by partner, Jeanna Jenkins of Garland, and extended family members Rebecca Melton of Longview, Texas; Ann Crews Melton and family of Bismarck, North Dakota; Emily Melton Harris and family of Frisco, Texas; and Elizabeth Melton of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Other survivors include her beloved aunt Marjorie Stephens of Ashdown, Arkansas; cousins Pam Pearson and family of Washington, Arkansas, Trevor Pearson and family of Lockesburg, Arkansas; and many other cousins and friends. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at 1:30 pm at the Ashdown Cemetery in Ashdown, Arkansas. Memorial donations may be made in Jeri Stephens' name to the Weimaraner Foundation Fund, online or mail to: WFF, 14 Lashley Estates Drive, Swansea IL 62226.

Jeri Ann Stephens

July 21, 1953 - February 8, 2018