Patricia Jean Stephens

In Loving Memory of Patricia Jean Martin Stephens

Patricia Jean Martin Stephens, aged 95, peacefully departed this life on May 8, 2025, at her home in Eagle Lake, Texas, surrounded by her devoted family and caregivers. In her final moments, she received Last Rites from her parish priest, Father Oscar Amo, a testament to her deep faith. 

Born on January 28, 1930 in Yoakum, Texas to Clarence and Agnes Martin, Patty's remarkable journey began. She graduated as Valedictorian from Garwood High School's Class of 1947, setting the stage for a life dedicated to education and service. Patty furthered her studies at Southwest Texas State Teachers College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and English in 1951.

On June 10, 1952, Patty married Charles Draper Stephens, Jr. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Nada, Texas. Their union of 72 years was built on love, respect, and shared values. 

Patty's career as an educator took her to East Bernard, Texas, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was a pioneer in her community, helping to establish a church-sponsored Head Start Program for Spanish-speaking children in the 1950s. Additionally, she served as a substitute teacher for the Rice Consolidated Independent School District. She also taught piano lessons from her home. Patty was also an esteemed organist at the Parish of the Nativity Catholic Church, where she played a vital role as one of the founding members of the Catholic Daughters organization. Her musical talents extended to the First Presbyterian Church, where she also served as organist. 

A woman of many talents, Patty shared her passions generously with others. Her love for music was infectious; she delighted in playing the piano, often performing ragtime and polka tunes with her mother, Agnes, while Draper kept the rhythm on drums. Family jam sessions were common, with grandchildren joining in with tambourines, woodblocks, or the occasional slide whistle. Through her dedication, Patty instilled a profound love for music in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, ensuring that this passion would resonate through generations. Her annual Christmas Sing-Along parties became cherished family traditions, where laughter and music filled the air. Another of Patty’s beloved hobbies was crocheting and knitting, as she lovingly crafted custom house slippers, blankets, hats, scarves, and baby booties for those she cherished. 

Patty was known to have a “direct line” to the divine when it came to prayer. Her faith was unwavering, and she had a unique ability to connect with the right Saint for any challenge that arose. Her fervent prayers were powerful, and many were answered in remarkable ways. 

Her compassionate heart extended to animals, especially dogs, cats, and even a few rabbits. Patty had a special knack for spoiling her pets, welcoming them into her home with open arms. Neighborhood cats seemed to instinctively know of her kindness, often finding their way to her doorstep for care and affection. 

Patty is survived by her beloved husband, Draper Stephens, and her cherished children: Charles Martin Stephens and wife Donna, Darrell Brice Stephens and wife Kathy, John Draper Stephens and wife Diane, and Patricia Ann Stephens LaTouf and husband Shane. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren: Jill Torres and husband Alfred, Jr., Chuck Stephens Jr. and wife Jamie, Amber Simpson and husband Ross, Jareth Stephens, Jake LaTouf, Abigail LaTouf, Wyatt LaTouf, and Caden LaTouf. Her great-grandchildren, Tyler Stephens, Hunter Ochoa, Tanner Torres, Conner Torres, Lila Torres, Brayden Stephens, Addysen Stephens, Kaysen Stephens, and Hayden Stephens, will carry her spirit forward. 

Patty is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Agnes Martin, and her grandparents, Samuel and Bessie Martin, along with Jim and Agnes Huvar. 

The family is thankful for Patty's caregivers, Mary Aldridge, Ari Lee Earls, Sherrill Schooller, and Myrakle Cleveland under the direction of Brenda Cunningham. They are the embodiment of selflessness and devotion who have become trusted friends and sources of comfort. Their kind hearts have been there when family couldn't, and the family is deeply grateful that God sent these angels to care for Patty and Draper. Their love and compassion are truly a blessing. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 12:30 - 1:30 PM at the Parish of the Nativity Catholic Church, located at 308 N Stevenson St., Eagle Lake, TX 77434. The Rosary will follow at 1:30 - 2:00 PM, with the Mass commencing at 2:00 -2:45 PM. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery.

 Pallbearers are grandsons Chuck Stephens Jr. , Jareth Stephens, Jake LaTouf, Wyatt LaTouf, Caden LaTouf, and Great-grandsons Tyler Stephens and Hunter Ochoa.

In lieu of remembrances, you may donate to Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Eagle Lake Catholic Daughters, or a charity of your choice.