Celebrating the life of
John W. Stephens, Jr.
July 23, 1922 - May 02, 2015
SAVANNAH – John W. Stephens, Jr. (92) died Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 at his home under the care of Dr. Jules Victor III and Dr. Paresh R. Patel, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and his loving companion, Irene Andris. John was born to immigrant parents in Savannah, GA in 1922. He was educated at Sacred Heart Parochial school and Benedictine Military School, from which he graduated with a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve. John then served as a Captain in the U.S. Army in World War II. He saw combat service in the 81st Division in the Pacific Theatre and commanded an infantry company through the Philippine campaign. John met his future wife, Dorothy Artemise Kessler, at an Army hospital in New Guinea. They were married after the war in Savannah. The Stephens had three children, Kathleen Ruth, John Michael and Mary Elizabeth. They raised their children in Fairway Oaks and were active members of St. James, Benedictine, St. Vincent’s Academy and other Catholic organizations in Savannah.
He began his sixty-seven year career in the insurance business in 1947 and excelled to become one of the country’s top producers for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1950 he became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 50 consecutive years, and he was then named a life member. When he retired this year he was the oldest active agent in the company. He forged lasting relationships throughout the Savannah community and will not be forgotten.
John was a past director of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, was on the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Savings & Trust Company, served as the President of the Exchange Club of Chatham County and Co-chairman of the Tourist Information Center for the City of Savannah. John was a charter member of the Massachusetts Mutual President’s Club and was honored with the National Quality Award by the National Association of Life Insurance Underwriters. John was an active supporter of charities and individual’s causes which were dear to his heart.
John is survived by his children, Kay Stephens Halligan (David), John Michael Stephens (Susan) and Mary Elizabeth Harn (Frank); grandchildren, Kevin Halligan (Mary Jo), Catherine Halligan Behm (Chris), Leigh Crowder Bierman (Fred), Dorothy Stephens Guy (Steven), Michael William Stephens (Gina), Whitney Ketron (David), and Sara Harn Kamaleson (Mark) and twenty-two great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 5. 2015 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with a Rosary Service at 8:00 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
My condolences to Mr. Stephens' family. I was his secretary at Mass. Mutual from Aug. 1960 to December 1964. I had a lot of respect for him. I also remember his three children who would come by his office occasionally. I pray that you will find peace in the memories you have of him. Mildred Jones Helmey
- Mildred Jones Helmey, Guyton, Ga
My deepest condolences to the Stephens family on the passing of Mr. John Stephens. Mr. Stephens was a good man that cared deeply about his family, friends, and community. I am forever grateful to have met and known him. I pray that God will strengthen you all during this difficult time.
- Jermane Patterson, SFC, U.S. Army(Retired), Fort Mitchell, Alabama
Dear Liz, John, Kay, and Whitney: Mr. Stephens is a most generous and dynamic man. I grew up around him since my dad and grandfather were career life insurance men at "Mother Mass". Mr. Stephens was disciplined. I remember coming into the MassMutual office on Thanksgiving morning and Mr. Stephens was there. He was generous. He was a great benefactor to so many charities, such as Abilities Unlimited. He was humble. Few people will ever know how many scholarships Mr. Stephens gave to Benedictine and Saint Vincent's boys and girls throughout the last 50+ years. Yesterday, I had lunch with another fellow BC graduate who told me his favorite story of Mr. Stephens! In my opinion, Life Insurance guys enjoy a form of immortality by way of the families and businesses they protect. Mr. Stephens' name will be remembered with respect for generations. Sincerely, Nick Harty
- Nick Harty, Savannah, GA
Please accept my sincere condolences. I knew John from the Savannah Golf Club and other contacts including a legal matter in which we were cooperative.
- Stanley Harris, Jr., Savannah, Ga
To the family of John W. Stephens, Jr. It is our prayer that God bless you and give you peace and comfort as you mourn John's passing.
- Ray & Rosalyn Truitt, Savannanh, Ga
John, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May his precious memories sustain you at this difficult time and may you find comfort in the days ahead.
- Lois and Pete Pardoll, Treasure Island, FL
John, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May his precious memories sustain you at this difficult time and may you find comfort in the days ahead.
- Lois and Pete Pardoll, Treasure Island, FL
We didn’t know Mr John but heard a lot about him from John, Sue, Michael and Dottie. It was obvious that he was much loved and very special to them and the rest of the family. Clive and I just wanted to express our deepest condolences to all the family at this very sad time. Lots of love. Sue and Clive Morris
- Morris, Rowberrow, Somerset
Sorry to hear about Mr. John. He led a full, rich, blessed and exciting life. He was even keeled and maintained a positive attitude. Fond memories of Mr. John will be comforting in the months ahead. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Nina Clarke Holladay, Mobile, , Al
We just want to express our deepest condolences to your family. Though, I did not know John personally, I can see that he was a very special man in all of you. He lived a full life and obviously touched so many along the way. May the peace that comes from his memories comfort you now and in the days ahead.
- Jonathan, Skylar and Spring Webster, Saint Petersburg, FL
I offer my deepest and most sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. Stephens. Mr. Stephens did so much for my brother and I by giving us the gift of a solid education. I will be forever grateful and thankful to Mr. Stephens. His was a life well lived. God bless.
- Jermal Patterson, Sr., Union City, GA
To the entire Family, Mr.Stephens was a special person.He was a very knowledgeable business man and a good friend and client.He was always thinking.He also loved his family and faith and never forgot.He will be missed by many.I send my deepest sympathy to all of you.The family will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia
John was a very special man and quite the mentor to me during my career in the insurance business. More importantly, he was a very special friend to me and Michael. He will be missed; never forgotten and always loved. Our sympathy and prayers for the family. Terri & Michael Doyle
- Doyle, Savannah, Ga
My deepest condolences to the Stephens family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more(Rev. 21:4). Also during the days to come, may Mr. Stephens' sweet memories fill your hearts with joy and peace.
- Thomas, Snellville, Ga.
My condolences to Mr. Stephens' family. I was his secretary at Mass. Mutual from Aug. 1960 to December 1964. I had a lot of respect for him. I also remember his three children who would come by his office occasionally. I pray that you will find peace in the memories you have of him. Mildred Jones Helmey
- Mildred Jones Helmey, Guyton, Ga
My deepest condolences to the Stephens family on the passing of Mr. John Stephens. Mr. Stephens was a good man that cared deeply about his family, friends, and community. I am forever grateful to have met and known him. I pray that God will strengthen you all during this difficult time.
- Jermane Patterson, SFC, U.S. Army(Retired), Fort Mitchell, Alabama
Dear Liz, John, Kay, and Whitney: Mr. Stephens is a most generous and dynamic man. I grew up around him since my dad and grandfather were career life insurance men at "Mother Mass". Mr. Stephens was disciplined. I remember coming into the MassMutual office on Thanksgiving morning and Mr. Stephens was there. He was generous. He was a great benefactor to so many charities, such as Abilities Unlimited. He was humble. Few people will ever know how many scholarships Mr. Stephens gave to Benedictine and Saint Vincent's boys and girls throughout the last 50+ years. Yesterday, I had lunch with another fellow BC graduate who told me his favorite story of Mr. Stephens! In my opinion, Life Insurance guys enjoy a form of immortality by way of the families and businesses they protect. Mr. Stephens' name will be remembered with respect for generations. Sincerely, Nick Harty
- Nick Harty, Savannah, GA
Please accept my sincere condolences. I knew John from the Savannah Golf Club and other contacts including a legal matter in which we were cooperative.
- Stanley Harris, Jr., Savannah, Ga
To the family of John W. Stephens, Jr. It is our prayer that God bless you and give you peace and comfort as you mourn John's passing.
- Ray & Rosalyn Truitt, Savannanh, Ga
John, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May his precious memories sustain you at this difficult time and may you find comfort in the days ahead.
- Lois and Pete Pardoll, Treasure Island, FL
John, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May his precious memories sustain you at this difficult time and may you find comfort in the days ahead.
- Lois and Pete Pardoll, Treasure Island, FL
We didn’t know Mr John but heard a lot about him from John, Sue, Michael and Dottie. It was obvious that he was much loved and very special to them and the rest of the family. Clive and I just wanted to express our deepest condolences to all the family at this very sad time. Lots of love. Sue and Clive Morris
- Morris, Rowberrow, Somerset
Sorry to hear about Mr. John. He led a full, rich, blessed and exciting life. He was even keeled and maintained a positive attitude. Fond memories of Mr. John will be comforting in the months ahead. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Nina Clarke Holladay, Mobile, , Al
We just want to express our deepest condolences to your family. Though, I did not know John personally, I can see that he was a very special man in all of you. He lived a full life and obviously touched so many along the way. May the peace that comes from his memories comfort you now and in the days ahead.
- Jonathan, Skylar and Spring Webster, Saint Petersburg, FL
I offer my deepest and most sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. Stephens. Mr. Stephens did so much for my brother and I by giving us the gift of a solid education. I will be forever grateful and thankful to Mr. Stephens. His was a life well lived. God bless.
- Jermal Patterson, Sr., Union City, GA
To the entire Family, Mr.Stephens was a special person.He was a very knowledgeable business man and a good friend and client.He was always thinking.He also loved his family and faith and never forgot.He will be missed by many.I send my deepest sympathy to all of you.The family will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia
John was a very special man and quite the mentor to me during my career in the insurance business. More importantly, he was a very special friend to me and Michael. He will be missed; never forgotten and always loved. Our sympathy and prayers for the family. Terri & Michael Doyle
- Doyle, Savannah, Ga
My deepest condolences to the Stephens family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more(Rev. 21:4). Also during the days to come, may Mr. Stephens' sweet memories fill your hearts with joy and peace.
- Thomas, Snellville, Ga.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
