Trending
Kathryn "Gladys" Stephenson, 88, of St. Marys, WV, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Born in St. Marys, WV, on December 25, 1937, she was the daughter of the late James Wiley Morris and Danea Lee Rollins. Gladys was a proud 1955 graduate of St. Marys High School; she was a head majorette in the band and played violin and piano in the SMHS Orchestra. After graduation, she always looked forward to the alumni weekend, participating in the alumni parade and often planning the class of 1955 reunion festivities. On, December 18, 1953, her high school sweetheart and love of her life, John C. 鈥淛ack鈥� Stephenson proposed on his graduation day from boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina. The two were married December 25, 1953, and were happily married for 66 years. Gladys was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, St. Marys, WV. She enjoyed attending the Tuesday Sisters women's group at the church. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Gladys was a wonderful homemaker and an amazing seamstress. It brought her great joy teaching her children how to bake and sew. Most of all, she was a wonderful Christian women, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She is survived by four children, John W. Stephenson, Kathy (Rex) Gilpin, Michelle (Scott) Wilson, and Sheri (Scott) Bills; eight grandchildren, Ashlee (Jonathan) Cooper, Lydia (Max) Neubauer, Joshua Wilson, Andrea (Bobby) Shapley, Deidre (Todd) Dillon, Craig (Kayla) Bills, Amanda (Tyler) James, and Dru (Andrea) Bills; 17 great-grandchildren, Kaya and Mylee Cooper, Rex, Creed, and Cruz Neubauer, Andrew Shapley (Logan), Jalynn Shapley, Dana Lee, Riley, and Will Dillon, Blake and Claire Bills, Lilly Gaines, Calvin and Dean James, and Emma and Jake Bills; brother-in-law, Paul Kennedy; two nieces Anita Bruer, and Laura Williams; and one nephew, Steven Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John C. 鈥淛ack鈥� Stephenson; one sister, Janet M. Kennedy; one brother, Larry E. Morris; sister-in-law, Jill Williams; brother-in-law, Jimmy Stephenson. A private graveside service was held at IOOF Cemetery, St. Marys, WV, with Craig Bills officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pleasants Co, Humane Society in her honor. An online guest register is available at www.ingramfh.com.