Waldine Stephenson

Waldine Stephenson, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of the Carbon, Texas community, peacefully departed this life on June 8, 2025, at the remarkable age of 102. Born on April 22, 1923, in Aspermont, Texas, to J.D. Griffin, Sr. and Moss Wilhite Griffin, Waldine's life was a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering faith.

Waldine moved to Eastland County in 1934, where she would later marry the love of her life, Charles Stephenson, on January 5, 1937. Their union was filled with joy and companionship until Charles's passing on March 17, 1965. Waldine was also preceded in death by her parents, J.D. Griffin Sr. and Moss Griffin; son, Jimmy Charles Stephenson, and ten dear siblings, but her spirit remained vibrant through the generations that followed.

For over 60 years, Waldine was a devoted member of Mangum Baptist Church, where her faith and kindness touched the hearts of many. In addition to being a mother and a housewife Waldine held several jobs. She worked many years at Vanity Fair sewing factory in Eastland. After that she became a private professional sitter for elderly people around Carbon and Eastland. She then spent 7 years as a nurse's aide at the Ranger Care Center. Later on, she helped her brother-in-law, Louie Stephenson in his mechanic business. She would help him paint cars, repair dents, and do other odd jobs around the shop. Her passions included attending Country and Western musicals around Eastland County, embarking on trips, immersing herself in cooking and needlework, and happily puzzling through crossword challenges. She spent quite a bit of time on her cell phone. She enjoyed doing FaceTime conservations with friends and family and she also like to look at Facebook to see all the news and new pictures submitted by family and friends. Above all, Waldine took great joy in the company of her family, who will forever cherish the love and wisdom she imparted.

Waldine is survived by her daughter, Ann May and husband Bill; her son, Charley Stephenson and wife Peggy; sister, Florene Emmert; three grandchildren, Melony J. May, John Wilsonmay, and Tonya Carlisle and husband Donnie; four great-grandchildren, Mary May, Clayton Cox, Kaylee Hardin, and Ian Wilson; one great-great-grandchild, Whitley Rutzen; and an abundance of nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Funeral services for Waldine will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Merriman Baptist Church, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her remarkable life. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, allowing loved ones to share memories and offer their condolences. Following the service, interment will take place at the tranquil Merriman Cemetery.

In this time of mourning, we remember Waldine Stephenson as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, whose legacy of kindness and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her dearly.