Final arrangements entrusted to Emanuel Funeral Home-Palestine.

Services will be held:

Saturday, September 26, 2026

12:00 Noon

Reaping the Harvest COGIC

421 Coronaca Street

Palestine, Texas 75803

Supt. Anthony Taylor, Pastor

Elder R.C. Emanuel, Eulogist

Burial:

Pinery Cemetery

Palestine, Texas

Repast will be held:

Brown Oasis

1433 CR 414

Palestine, Texas

Viewing will be held:

Friday, September 25, 2026

10AM-6PM

Emanuel Funeral Home-Palestine

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On October 9, 1943, in Palestine, Texas, Paul Edward Stephens was born to the late King Solomon Stephens and Pearl Hick Wortham. He was raised in Palestine, where he attended school and graduated from A.M. Story High School in 1962. After graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served his country with honor.

Paul worked for Gifford Hill Cement as a truck driver for many years until his retirement. He was a faithful member of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, where he worshipped under the leadership of Pastor James Brown.

On March 18, 1968, Paul united in marriage with Mattie Powell, and to this union one daughter was born

.On September 21, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, Paul answered the Master's call and peacefully entered eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his parents, King Solomon Stephens and Pearl Wortham; his sisters, Mae Ella Ester and Eleanor Marie Stephens; niece, Renee Campbell; and his brothers, Tommy Lee Hanks, Clifton Hanks, and Harvey Lee Hanks.

Paul leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted wife, Mattie Powell Stephens; his loving daughter, Cecillia Annette Stephens; his siblings, Clyde Hanks, Mary Russell and Bobby Joe Wortham (Shirley); special nephews, Gregory Ester, Edwin Stephens, Fredrick "Chopper" Stephens, Aaron Angton, and Demarcus Duncan; one grandchild, Jaylen Miller; and a host of other relatives and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.