Ethelyn Willis Stephens Life and Legacy

Ethelyn Willis Stephens was born on May 25, 1941, in Cocoa, Florida. She was the third child of nine children born to the late John Dover Willis Sr. and Ethelyn Mae Houston Willis. Ethelyn was affectionately known as Rita.

Rita relocated to Atlanta, GA with her parents and siblings in 1955. Rita’s school record is replete with diligent work and a passion for learning. She attended E.R. Carter Elementary, English Avenue Elementary, and A.F. Herndon Elementary where she graduated seventh grade. She spent eighth grade at Washington High School and ninth through twelfth grades at Henry M. Turner High School.

Upon graduating from high school in 1959, Rita obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from Spelman College in 1963. She continued her educational pursuits by receiving a Master of Education in 1969 and an Education Specialist Degree in 1971 from Clark Atlanta University. While not finishing her dissertation, Rita completed the coursework for doctoral studies.

On August 31, 1968, Rita married her soulmate and life partner, the late Horace W. Stephens Jr., also known as Walt. To this union, two children were born: Swarita Angela, and John Allen. Walt and Rita remained happily married for over fifty-two years until they were separated by Walt’s death in 2020.

During Rita’s thirty-two-year career in education, she was a teacher, Resource Teacher, Assistant Principal at West Fulton High School, Title 1 Reading Coordinator, and Principal at Bethune Elementary School until her retirement in 2002.

With Rita’s enduring understanding of God’s sovereignty, she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. She attended St. Paul of Cross Catholic Church with her family from 1957 to 1986. Rita joined Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Church in 1986 under the leadership of Rev. Rodney Smothers. Rita was a committed servant leader who served her church and community in many capacities. She was a faithful member, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study student, Lay Leader, Newsletter Editor, Communications Ministry Chair, and Vacation Bible Study teacher. Her church involvements have led to the development of the Hoosier website, a book of recipes contributed by church members, and a manual for new member orientation. The United Methodist Church granted Rita certification as a Lay Speaker, allowing her to assume the pulpit and deliver sermons in the minister's absence. She also served as a trainer for the district in basic lay speaking and gifts of the spirit.

Rita loved reading, arts and crafts, and painting ceramics. She was well-known for her Word Cures that always involved scriptures and artistic expressions. This labor of love was given to church members, family, friends, and doctor offices that she visited.

Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend. She impacted so many lives through her integrity, dedication, and unselfish service.

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Ethelyn Willis Stephens peacefully made her earthly transition and entered into eternal rest. She fought a good fight and finished her course, but her Heavenly journey continues.

Her father, John Dover Willis Sr.; mother, Ethelyn Mae Houston Willis; husband, Horace W. Stephens Jr.; brothers, Dover Willis Jr., and Ben Willis; sister, Ivy Harris preceded her in death.

Those left to cherish Rita’s precious memories and celebrate her legacy of love: her faithful and devoted children, daughter, Swarita S. King and son, John Stephens; stepdaughter Sarina Cooper (Vincent); granddaughters, Sierra King, Kierra King, and Zaria King; brothers, Henry Willis (Laura), Hudson Willis (Lynette), James Willis (Sharon), and Billy Willis; sister Ottie Hill. Extended family, Gary King and Latoya Miller; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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